The Schieffer School of Journalism and KERA-TV will host an event for a renowned journalist and television newscaster known for her commitment to the field and the range of issues she covers. 

Gwen Ifill, moderator and managing editor of "Washington Week" and senior correspondent for the "PBS NewsHour,” has covered six presidential campaigns and moderated two vice presidential debates. She is also the best-selling author of "The Breakthrough: Politics and Race in the Age of Obama."

University students, along with KERA affiliates, will have an opportunity to interact with Ifill on November 28 during the event, “A Conversation with Gwen Ifill.”

John Lumpkin, Director of the Schieffer School of Journalism, said KERA invited TCU to participate, so Ifill could make an appearance on campus. 

“We are providing the venue and also getting the benefit of her visit,” Lumpkin said. “Ifill is a great role model for students.”

Lumpkin said the event is one benefit of having a journalism school in the fifth largest media market in the nation. 

“It is a great opportunity for students,” he said.

Deborah Johnson, Executive Vice President for Development and Marketing at KERA, said the event is a unique opportunity to hear directly from someone who has such a respected career. 

“That body of knowledge and experience she has, and her dedication to high journalistic standards, make her someone that everyone can benefit from hearing,” Johnson said. “We are so fortunate she is coming here.”

Johnson said Ifill continues to immerse in her subject matter and maintains an illustrious career in the journalism field. 

“This is someone with experience in their field, a wide knowledge of her subject matter and the ability to do her job at an exceptionally high standard,” Johnson said. “She has been a prominent journalist on the national stage for some time.” 

Johnson said Ifill was undoubtedly one of the first women to become a successful journalist in the public eye. 

“Gwen is a pioneer in her field,” Johnson said. “She is a role model for many women in journalism.”

Bill Young, Vice President of Television Programming at KERA-TV, said Ifill tends to be more personable in less-formal settings.

“She is just amazing,” Young said. “She is extraordinarily personable and extraordinarily knowledgeable.” 

Young said the event is a great opportunity to hear from somebody that brings to the table an amazing background in politics and news. 

“It’s been a while since she’s been here,” Young said. “It will be fun to see.”

“A Conversation with Gwen Ifill” will take place in the Brown-Lupton University Union auditorium and will be co-moderated by Bob Ray Sanders and TCU 360 Executive Editor Lexy Cruz. 

There will be open seating for the student body, a section reserved for friends of KERA and a section reserved for students of the Schieffer School of Journalism.

The event on Nov. 28 starts at 6:30 p.m. and will conclude at 7:30 p.m.