Gerald A. Johnson, former Director of Texas Student Media, has been selected as the recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award from Friends of The Daily Texan,  just the second time the award has been given since the group’s founding in 2013.

“What Gerald has done in his 11 years leading Texas Student Media is legendary. He and his team have produced 11 straight years of profit in a media world that has an overall dismal balance sheet,” said a statement from Friends of The Daily Texan, Inc. “That is completely unheard of in the student media world, and also in the mainstream media award.”

The award was presented April 4 at the annual Friends of The Daily Texan Hall of Fame gathering on the UT campus. Supporters of The Texan gathered to recognize the student newspaper’s 125th anniversary and to meet a new group of 13 scholarship winners, 8 Hall of Fam members  and 3 Rising Star winners.

The only other recipient of the award is legendary UT professor and Daily Texan supporter Griff Singer, who received the award in 2014.

Gerald last year moved to a new role as Executive Director for Innovation and Partnerships in the Dean’s Office of Moody College of Communication.

Gerald moved to Moody after a stellar career in revenue generation at the Houston Chronicle. He and his team have brought top-tier industry standards to TSM and The Texan, mixed with enthusiasm and vigor that matches the enthusiasm and vigor of student journalists.

“What he has done is ground-breaking in the sense that he and his team have put in place the framework for a healthy financial picture for the future for The Daily Texan and Texas Student Media,” said John Reetz, president of Friends of The Daily Texan, Inc.

“Sure, there is still lots of work to be done every year and no media outlet’s  future is assured; the public is finicky, easily distracted and ever-changing.  But TSM and The Daily Texan are in a very good place, as we celebrate the 125th anniversary of The Texan.

“Those of us who have labored in newsrooms for many decades know the siege mentality that can set in, and it is frequently only broken by the thrill of a great story or success . Gerald exudes an aura that keeps people engaged and organized, working through the challenges to success,” Reetz added.

Gerald, who is usually quick on his feet, was at a loss for words when called to the stage for the presentation.

Below is a thoughtful ‘thank you” he sent following the event.

Dear Friends of The Daily Texan, 

I’ve been reflecting on Friday night’s celebration—and I’m still struggling to find the words to properly express how honored I am to have received the Lifetime Achievement Award. It means more than I can say, especially coming from this group—people who understand exactly what it takes to keep The Daily Texan strong, independent, and thriving.

In the moment, I was genuinely so surprised and moved that I didn’t get to properly thank you all. Please allow me to do that now.

To be recognized by the Friends of The Daily Texan—a group of dedicated alumni who continue to give back through mentorship, advocacy, and financial support—humbled me deeply. You’ve been there throughout the years as champions, sounding boards, and friends, helping me navigate both the bureaucracy of the university and the ever-evolving challenges of the media landscape. Your camaraderie has made all the difference.

I want to especially thank John Reetz, whose leadership as President of the Friends group has been nothing short of extraordinary. Through this experience, John has become a dear friend. Our weekly check-ins have been a grounding and joyful part of my routine, and I’m grateful beyond words for his partnership and friendship.

Back in 2014, when Jeff Cohen—then Executive Editor of the Houston Chronicle—tapped me on the shoulder and said, “You’re the perfect person for this job,” I honestly didn’t even know a job like this existed. But out of respect for Jeff, I applied. It wasn’t until I met with the student leaders of the Texan and other outlets that I realized I had to do it. Their commitment to journalism, and the state of turmoil the organization was in, lit a fire in me. I knew I wanted to fight for their freedom to report, cover, and entertain the UT community without compromise.

That mission has carried me through the past 11 years, and I’ve had the immense privilege of doing that work with an incredible team at Texas Student Media—including the remarkable folks who help bring this event to life each year: Frank Serpas, Emily Cohen, Marlies Arevalo, Will Parchman, Jason Lihuang, Peter Chen and Tillie Policastro.

These are the people who make the day-to-day not only possible, but meaningful:
• Emily, who—along with John—brings this annual event to life with precision and care.
• Tillie, whose eye for design makes every piece of material beautiful.
• Jason, who ensures every aspect of the presentation runs smoothly.
• And all of them—and the entire TSM team—who are fiercely dedicated to supporting our students and championing their work.

I’d also like to acknowledge my colleagues at the Moody College of Communication especially Interim Dean Anita Vangelisti, Senior Associate Dean Cassandre Alvarado, Development Director Sam Provenzano, and Assistant Directors Sara Abrams and Keefe Boerner. Moody’s longtime support of this event—and of Texas Student Media’s essential role in it—makes it all possible, and better every year.

Lastly, I couldn’t write this message without recognizing the incredible Griff Singer. Griff’s name comes up more than any other when former students share memories of their time at The Daily Texan. As both a former student and a longtime advisor, he shaped generations of journalists with his wisdom, wit, and fierce dedication to the craft. His influence is lasting, his impact immeasurable, and his legacy lives on in every student who found their voice under his guidance. To be honored with an award that follows in Griff’s footsteps is deeply humbling—and one of the greatest honors of my career.

Together, with your support, we’ve kept Texas Student Media and The Daily Texan solvent, growing, and profitable for 11 straight years. That’s no small feat—and it’s something I’ll always be proud of.

Thank you, sincerely, for this honor. And thank you for everything you’ve done—and continue to do—to ensure the legacy and future of The Daily Texan  remain strong.

With gratitude and admiration,

Gerald