Former Black Explosion writer and founder among 2023 inductees into Merrill’s Hall of Fame

Philip Merrill College of Journalism Hall of Fame Inductees, from left to right: Tim Kurkjian, Pam Ward, Patricia “Pat” Wheeler, Rochelle Ford, and Deborah Berry (Courtesy of the Philip Merrill College of Journalism/Kate DeBlasis)

by Aaron Wright and Taylor Edwards

The Philip Merrill College of Journalism hosted its 50th anniversary celebration and Hall of Fame induction ceremony on March 30. There were six inductees, including three Black women— one of whom is the founder of The Black Explosion Patricia “Pat” Wheeler. 

The first honoree was Deborah Berry, who earned her bachelor's degree in 1985. Since graduating, Berry wrote stories that shed light on issues within marginalized communities, became a national correspondent for USA Today, and earned multiple awards, including a Pulitzer for Newsday’s coverage of the crash of flight TWA 800 in 1997.

In her acceptance speech, Berry mentioned that in her first semester at this university, she was a computer science major. When she realized it wasn’t for her, she switched to journalism. She was recruited as a student by the Star Democrat, making her the second Black reporter to work there. The reporter said that she was often one of the few people of color on staff. 

“We need more diversity in the pipeline and journalism schools like Philip Merrill are key to making that happen,” Berry said. 

Berry said that she felt honored to be part of this year’s induction class, especially because some of the journalists in this year’s induction class led the way for herself and other journalists of color. 

She joined The Black Explosion where the staff reported on the campus life of Black students. With members such as Editor in Chiefs Jonathan Chambers and Cristal Williams, she said that experience set her up for her journey in journalism. 

“They taught us it was a place that we can write about people of color about the good things and bad things and honestly, it probably laid the foundation of the work that I continued to do when I left and the work I continue to do today,” Berry said. “I’m so happy that it’s still providing a place for young people of color to get their feet wet to learn the craft and to fine-tune their craft.”

The second honoree was Dr. Rochelle Ford, who earned her master’s degree from the college in 1995. In 2022, she became the eighth president of Dillard University in Louisiana. She earned the Public Relations Society of America’s Outstanding Educator Award in 2019 and was recognized in the PRWeek Hall of Fame in 2018. 

In her acceptance speech, Ford credited Merrill for launching her career. While at this university, she earned her master’s on the public relations track when the journalism school offered it. Ford worked as an AARP communications manager from 1993-1995, taught her first public relations course at the University of Tennessee at Martin from 1995 - 1998, and researched gerontology.

Ford finds getting inducted into the Hall of Fame rewarding because she launched her teaching career here. When she graduated, she knew that she wanted to become a college professor. The journalism school also gave her experience in activism.

The final Black woman inductee was Patricia “Pat” Wheeler, who earned her bachelor's degree in 1973. She made history by being a part of the college’s first graduating class, co-founding The Black Explosion and becoming its first editor-in-chief. 

Wheeler enjoyed her time in the journalism school thanks to the lessons she learned about journalism and the mentorship she had from her professors.

“Maryland gave me the foundation to do what I had to do to go ahead and do, never run from a challenge, not to be intimidated, and to stand for what’s right,” Wheeler said. 

The Merrill alum had an extensive career as an interim chair in the Department of Strategic Communication at Morgan State University and held public affairs positions with the White House, the D.C. mayor’s office, Gannet, and Time Warner before retirement.

Other Hall of Fame inductees include the founding dean of Merrill College Ray Hiebert, baseball reporting legend Tim Kurkjian and award-winning play-by-play commentator Pam Ward.

In 1972, Merrill switched from a department to a College of Journalism. In the 50 years since its designation, the Philip Merrill College of Journalism created Capital News Service, the Richard Eaton Broadcast Center, moved the school to Knight Hall, launched the Local News Network and a press freedom initiative. Looking back on her time at this university, Wheeler was happy to see Merrill become much more diverse and felt pride in the lasting impact of The Black Explosion.

“I am just so proud of the Black Students at Maryland who despite all odds and obstacles continue to keep The Black Explosion going,” said Wheeler. “I’m very, very proud of the Black students here at the University of Maryland.”