Telling tales from the newsroom to the lecture hall: Jeffrey Timmermans' voyage of narration, guidance, and influence

Dr. Jeffrey Timmermans, a seasoned financial journalist and educator, has spent more than two decades honing his craft and imparting knowledge to the next generation of journalists. Born and raised in New York City, Timmermans' journalism career began in Japan in 1991, where he helped produce a monthly Japanese-language newspaper.

After earning his bachelor's degree with honours in Asian Studies from Colgate University, Timmermans found a lifelong mentor in his Japanese professor. This mentorship played a significant role in shaping his career, instilling in him a passion for teaching, mentoring, and coaching that would later manifest in his work.

In the early stages of his career, Timmermans faced challenges proving himself within the newsroom at The Wall Street Journal in Tokyo. However, these challenges only served to fuel his determination, and he went on to intern for the publication.

Timmermans' journey then led him to the University of Hong Kong, where he served as the Director of the undergraduate journalism program for over 10 years. It was during this time that he developed a comprehensive postgraduate business-journalism curriculum, widely considered the best in Asia.

In 2016, Timmermans earned his Ph.D. from the University of Hong Kong, further solidifying his position as a respected figure in the field of journalism. He then transferred his skills and knowledge to the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication at Arizona State University, where he serves as the Donald W. Reynolds Endowed Chair Professor and the Director of the Reynolds Center for Business Journalism.

The Reynolds Center, under Timmermans' leadership, has refocused its efforts on training students and young journalists. It practices student involvement in its management and aims to incorporate AI tools effectively and productively into its work. The centre also produces podcast episodes such as "We Mean Business."

Timmermans is a strong advocate for young journalists, encouraging them to seize opportunities whenever and wherever they come up. He believes that every journalist should work for a newswire at least once within their career, as it provides an environment that suits their personality and fosters growth.

In his new role at the Dow Jones Newswires, Timmermans found an environment that suited his personality more, continuing his mission to empower the next generation of journalists. He is a testament to the power of perseverance, mentorship, and the pursuit of knowledge in the ever-evolving world of journalism.