May 21, 2009 — Coral Gables — The University of Miami’s Institute for Cuban and Cuban American Studies (ICCAS) has named Juan O. Tamayo, former Foreign Editor and Chief of Correspondents at The Miami Herald and for many years the newspaper’s lead person in its coverage of Cuban affairs, a Research Associate.
“We are delighted to have Juan with us,” said Jaime Suchlicki, ICCAS Director. “He brings a vast experience in covering Cuba and will strengthen our analysis of current events in the island.”
“It is an honor for me to join the ICCAS team,” said Tamayo. “Through this appointment, I hope to contribute to the understanding of communications within Cuba, from the work of dissident journalists and the official media to the role that bloggers and digital file exchanges play in disseminating information within the island."
Tamayo was The Herald’s correspondent in charge of Cuba coverage from 1995 to 2000, during which time he wrote hundreds of stories on and from the island. In 1999, he received Columbia University’s Maria Moors Cabot award, one of the top prizes for journalists reporting on Latin America. He coordinated The Herald’s overall coverage of Cuba as Foreign Editor from 1993-1995, and Chief of Correspondents from 2003-2008
He also served as The Miami Herald’s bureau chief in the Middle East (1986-1989), Europe (1991-1993) and the Andean region (2000-2001), and covered Central America 1982-1986.
Tamayo won two other national journalism awards from the Overseas Press Club and the Society of Professional Journalists for his 1989 series on European terrorist groups. He was a Nieman Fellow at Harvard University 1989-1990.
A graduate of the Marquette University School of Journalism, he was born in Cuba and lives in Coral Gables with his wife Grace. They have two grown children.
At ICCAS, Tamayo will be responsible for a new publication, “Cuba Observer” that will focus on the ways in which information circulates inside Cuba. He will also participate in the research and activities of the Institute.
# # #
The University of Miami’s mission is to educate and nurture students, to create knowledge, and to provide service to our community and beyond. Committed to excellence and proud of the diversity of our University family, we strive to develop future leaders of our nation and the world.
http://www.miami.edu
