As Palm Beach Atlantic University (PBA) continues to celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Month, we are proud to spotlight Dr. Jiehua Zhang, assistant professor of Journalism and Communication. Dr. Zhang has an impressive resume, from working in the news industry for over a decade to receiving her Doctor of Philosophy degree from the University of Alabama, and more, but receiving a “Most Inspirational Professor” award from her students is the kind of recognition she is most proud of. To learn more about Dr. Zhang, who inspires her, how her career with the Wall Street Journal China edition shaped her as a journalist, and more, read the Q&A below.
Hometown?
I was born in a southern Chinese city, which is famous for its scenic karst landscape.
Your bio says that you worked in the news industry for over 15 years, including 11 years with the Wall Street Journal China edition. Can you share how these experiences shaped you as a journalist?
After I joined the Wall Street Journal Chinese version (CWSJ), it didn’t take long for me to realize that people read our news because they wanted timely, accurate information and trusted us as a reliable source. That’s how a news outlet attracts and retains its audience.
While clickbait or sensationalism might temporarily boost pageviews, it is audience trust that ultimately makes a newsroom thrive. Reporters must stick to core journalistic principles, such as seeking truth, acting independently, being accountable and transparent, etc. That’s how they can produce news stories that the public can trust. These are the values that I upheld in the newsroom and also what I teach in the classroom now.
What was your path to PBA?
I believe that was God’s answer to my prayers after I got my Ph.D. from the University of Alabama. I am deeply grateful that God brought me here.
Where did your passion for journalism come from? And for teaching in particular?
The passion came from all the interviews I did and all the feedback I got from readers. That’s how I came to understand that people want their voices to be heard, want to be informed with the truth, and want to hold those in power accountable. It is a social responsibility of the press to inform the public and serve as a watchdog— a job that must be carried out continuously. That’s where my passion for teaching journalism comes from: We need more, not fewer, young, Christian journalists to fulfill that mission.
Who inspires you and why?
Many people have inspired me at different stages of my life. For example, I knew a pastor who spent his entire life building a disciple training center from nothing; I have a friend who is always ready to help others… They all have one thing in common: They held nothing back from fulfilling the work God had called them to do.
Are there any contributions you have made at PBA that you are most proud of? Or favorite moments from your time here?
At the end of this semester, my students at the journalism lab gave me this “Most Inspirational Professor” award. This is the kind of recognition I am most proud of. If anything I do means something to my students or benefits them in any way, that’s my favorite moment.
What advice would you give to aspiring journalists?
No matter what, hold on to the core journalistic principles and write for the public — because that’s what a healthy democracy needs.
What legacy do you hope to leave through your work in journalism and education?
I hope to see more and more Christian journalists respond to the calling, “Let this be recorded for a generation to come, so that a people yet to be created may praise the Lord. (Psalm 102:18)”
What does AAPI heritage month mean to you?
I am proud of being a part of it. I hope people from other cultures can learn more about AAPI heritage and enjoy the beauty of the diversity created by God.
