The Program
Xavier students pursue change through investigative reporting
The XULA Investigative Stories Program, or ISP, brings together students and veteran journalists to examine some of our nation’s most critical issues and how they're playing out in the City of New Orleans.
Students in the ISP's spring course, "Investigating New Orleans," learn how to conduct research and interviews. ISP interns work with professional film crews on community-based projects. Our goal is not only to produce great stories, but to equip Xavier students with investigative skills they can use in their own careers, whether those careers are in medicine, science, law, business, the arts, or journalism.
Projects
Every year, the ISP works on a long-term investigative project. We approach each investigation like a puzzle, scrutinizing evidence and questioning official narratives, then working together as a team to find answers. Since we started in 2020, we've covered segregated schools, industrial disasters, race-based "garbage" science, and dangerous Black haircare products. We've produced print and multimedia stories, public events, and a museum exhibit.
Our project teams include award-winning journalists, camera crews, and web designers. For every project we produce, participating students also receive a professional credit.
Internships
Students who excel in the spring course "Investigating New Orleans" can go on to work as paid interns on ISP projects. Interns participate in film shoots, pair up with veteran journalists for research and interviews, and attend regular story meetings with ISP director Helen Malmgren and The Lens managing editor Katy Reckdahl.
Previous interns have gone on to work not only in journalism, but also in science, medicine, criminal justice, community organizing, and military intelligence. Several have come back to help out the next group of interns, and we are always delighted to hear about their post-ISP adventures!
ISP Advisers
Helen Malmgren
Helen Malmgren is an investigative reporter and the director of the ISP. As a producer at CBS/60 Minutes, she won two Emmys, a George Foster Peabody Award, a Society of Professional Journalists Award, a Hillman Prize, and a National Association of Black Journalists Award. She teaches the spring course "Investigating New Orleans."
Jacques Morial
Jacques Morial is a historical researcher, public policy strategist, and community organizer. He co-founded the GreenARMY climate justice coalition led by General Russel Honoré and served for 10 years on the board of directors of the ACLU of Louisiana. He leads the ISP’s investigative workshops initiative.
Dr. Tia Smith
Dr. Tia Smith is a researcher, community engagement specialist, and documentary filmmaker. She teaches women's studies at Xavier, where until 2022 she was also the director of the department of mass communications. Dr. Smith works with ISP interns on community outreach activities.
Katy Reckdahl
Katy Reckdahl is managing editor at The Lens, a New Orleans-based investigative news outlet. Her many journalism awards include a a Casey Medal for Meritorious Journalism and a James Aronson Award for Social Justice Journalism. She works with ISP interns on story development and writing skills.
La'Shance Perry
La'Shance Perry is a photographer and reporter for The Lens. Her photos have been featured in ESPN's The Undefeated and at the Ogden Museum of Southern Art. She was an ISP intern in 2021, and she's returned every summer since to mentor new interns in visual storytelling.
The XULA Investigative Stories Program has been made possible by a generous donation from the Evelyn Y. Davis Foundation, Bank of America, N.A., Trustee