Dr. Battinto L. Batts Jr.
Chesterfield County Public Schools
Class of 1986
Battinto L. Batts Jr., Ph.D., is an academic leader and award-winning journalist and educator with deep experience in philanthropy and nonprofit administration. As dean of the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication at Arizona State University since 2021, he leads one of the nation’s premier journalism and mass communication programs.
The public schools of Chesterfield County are where Dr. Batts got his start in both academics and journalism. He attended Ettrick Annex, Matoaca Middle School and Matoaca High School, where he served as editor of the school paper and connected with newspapers in Petersburg and Richmond.
Grateful for the mentors he found within Chesterfield County Public Schools, including school administrators, teachers and coaches, Dr. Batts works to empower others while strengthening journalism. He believes his biggest accomplishment is helping emerging journalists start their careers and providing advice and guidance. Dr. Batts said, “It is rewarding to see former students on TV or in other high-profile roles committed to bringing along others because someone helped them. That is what inspires me, too. I am here because someone helped me along the way. To be in a place to do the same and instill that same commitment in others is my biggest accomplishment.”
Throughout his career, Dr. Batts has made a significant difference nationwide. One example is his time at the Scripps Howard Foundation, when he raised and awarded millions of dollars to support journalism programs. Other examples are his service on the boards of the Society of Professional Journalists Foundation (2016-present), Howard Centers for Investigative Journalism (2018-present) and Poynter Institute for Media Studies (2022-present).
An outstanding product of public education, Dr. Batts pays forward the support he received by leading a vital journalism program at a public university.