Robert Hernandez, professor of professional practice, was inducted into the National Association of Hispanic Journalists Hall of Fame at the group’s annual convention gala in Las Vegas this month.

Established in 2000, the honor recognizes journalists whose pioneering efforts, either nationally or locally, have resulted in a greater number of Latinos entering the journalism profession or have helped to improve news coverage of the nation’s Latino community.

“We are thrilled Robert has served as such an outstanding pillar for NAHJ,” said Gordon Stables, director of the School of Journalism. “This well-deserved honor reflects just how much he has done to advance NAHJ as an organization.”

Since joining USC Annenberg in 2009 from The Seattle Times, Hernandez has helped strengthen the school’s reputation as a digital innovator. This includes his creation of  JOVRNALISM, a course that brings together students from different backgrounds to apply an emerging technology to a story or theme from domestic abuse to homelessness. 

Hernadez’s dedicated service to NAHJ has included posts on its board of directors, as conference curriculum chair and as academic officer at-large. In 2018, Hernandez received NAHJ’s Sí Se Puede Award.

“I have been fortunate to win a few awards throughout my career — SPJ’s Professor of the Year, Online Journalism Awards, LA Press Club — but nothing compares to this level of recognition like being inducted into NAHJ’s Hall of Fame,” Hernandez said. “To be recognized for my years of work by an organization that has shaped me since I was a student is a true honor and one I don’t take lightly.” 

Hernandez joins fellow NAHJ Hall of Famer Félix Gutiérrez, professor of journalism emeritus, who was inducted in 2002.