Jerome Vaughn (GNI Fellow)

Jerome Vaughn Bio:  Born and raised in Detroit, Jerome Vaughn considers dispelling myths about his hometown a crucial part of his job. He’s worked hard over the past 30 years to chronicle Detroit’s comeback efforts, whether they succeed or fail. Vaughn received his Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Creative Writing from the University of Michigan Ann Arbor in 1987. After traveling Route 66 to California with a friend, he spent three years in San Francisco, performing media relations and administration work for the San Francisco Education Fund. Vaughn returned to Detroit in 1991 and joined WDET in January 1992, while working on his graduate degree.  Vaughn received his Master of Arts degree in Radio, TV, Film from Wayne State University in 1999.  During his time at WDET, he worked as an intern, producer, reporter, Assistant News Director, Senior News Editor, Executive Producer, News/Program Director and News Director. Vaughn has received numerous honors including the Helen Thomas Spirit of Diversity Award, Michigan Associated Press awards ranging from spot news to investigative/enterprise reporting. He was selected for NPR’s Diversity Initiative and Mid-Career Fellowships. Vaughn was inducted into the Michigan Journalism Hall of Fame in 2018.    Vaughn’s interest in news reporting began when he was five years old, after his mom bought him a yellow Panasonic ball and chain radio. He listened to news on it all the time and took inspiration from Walter Cronkite, Charles Collingwood and Eric Sevareid. Vaughn is working to instill that same sense of wonderment and passion in the next generation of public radio journalists.  He runs the WDET news department internship program and has served as a mentor for NPR’s Next Generation Radio Project.  In his spare time, Vaughn enjoys spending time with his wife and eight children, coaching his kids’ soccer teams, reading history, and gardening.