UFCJC Appoints Veteran Journalist Rick Hirsch as Inaugural Director of the Collier Prize for State Government Accountability

The University of Florida College of Journalism and Communications (UFCJC) has announced the appointment of Rick Hirsch as the inaugural director of the Collier Prize for State Government Accountability. Hirsch, a veteran journalist with more than four decades of experience, will lead efforts to expand the scope and elevate the reputation of one of the largest prizes in American journalism.

The Collier Prize recognizes outstanding investigative reporting at the state level. As director, Hirsch will oversee the prize’s administration, including entry promotion and judging, develop strategies to enhance its brand equity and recognition, and establish an annual symposium on state and local journalism.

The position, funded by an $8 million endowment from UF alumnus Nathan Collier, underscores UFCJC’s commitment to fostering excellence in journalism and supporting the next generation of investigative reporters.

“I’m thrilled by the opportunity to increase the visibility of the Collier Prize and help achieve Nathan Collier’s vision in endowing this award,” Hirsch said. “Motivating journalists across the media landscape to dig deeper and work harder to hold our state and local governments accountable for treatment of our citizens, the protection of our quality of life and how our hard-earned tax dollars are spent. And I could not be more proud to tackle this mission at my alma mater, the University of Florida.”

Having served as managing editor of the Miami Herald from 2011 to 2021, Hirsch brings a wealth of experience to the role. During his tenure, the Herald earned two Pulitzer Prizes and was named a finalist five times. The Herald won the Collier Prize in 2022 and placed second in 2023.

“We are very fortunate to have a journalist and leader of Rick’s caliber join us to advance this very important recognition of journalistic excellence,” said UFCJC Dean Hub Brown. “Rick has been a judge for the prize for three years and his extensive experience and deep connections in the journalism community made him an ideal candidate for this position. We are very excited to see him take the prize to the next level.”

“I’m very excited that Rick Hirsch will be joining the College to lead the Collier Prize,” said Nathan Collier. “Rick’s energy and enthusiasm, his excellent reputation and industry network will help raise the prestige and profile of the Collier Prize and thus greatly increase its effectiveness in deterring bad conduct and making the world a better place.”

Hirsch’s appointment comes at a critical time for state-level investigative journalism. As local news outlets face increasing financial pressures, the Collier Prize plays a vital role in recognizing and encouraging accountability reporting that impacts communities across the nation.

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