SALEM — Award-winning political journalist Alison King and social-justice advocate, political strategist, and entrepreneur Tomás Gonzalez will serve as fellows for the Frederick E. Berry Institute of Politics (Berry IOP) at Salem State University during the spring 2024 semester.

Salem State University, which is the Commonwealth’s civic-engagement university, is the only Massachusetts state university to have an institute of politics on its campus. Past fellows have included Eugenia Gibbons, a clean energy and climate policy expert; former Massachusetts Gov. Jane Swift; former Boston Mayor Kim Janey; and Jennifer Levi, a lawyer, professor, and nationally recognized expert on transgender issues.

As this year’s Berry IOP fellows, Gonzalez and King will visit campus multiple times to participate in moderated discussions (open to the public), lead class lectures, coordinate skill-building workshops, and bring additional guest speakers to campus. There is also an opportunity for students to have personal meetings with the fellows, including casual lunches and dinners. A full schedule of public activities will be shared in late January.

“As the Commonwealth’s civic-engagement university, it is important that we bring social activists and leaders to our campus,” Salem State President John Keenan said. “Alison King and Tomás Gonzalez are not only leaders in their professions but are making a real difference in their communities. Having them join us this year as our Berry IOP Fellows is a tremendous opportunity for our students and our campus.”

“This fellowship program provides students opportunities to connect one-on-one and in small groups with leaders who have succeeded in careers of politics, journalism, law, advocacy, and other forms of public service,” said Samantha Giffen, assistant director of the Berry IOP. “Many of our students are committed to making a difference in their careers, and these fellows serve as resources and mentors as students explore the many ways in which that can be achieved.”

The fellows will share their knowledge, skills, and experiences with students exploring and pursuing careers in politics and public service.

“It is an honor to have been selected as an IOP Fellow. I’m eager to bring my knowledge, experience, and brand of politics to the Salem State students seeking careers in the political arena. I’m humbled by the opportunity to both serve and inspire the future leaders of tomorrow,” Gonzalez said.

“At a time when local journalism is in crisis, I am honored to be a Berry IOP fellow and to share what I’ve learned over three decades covering politics and why it is so important to a healthy democracy,” King said.

Gonzalez was born and raised in Boston and currently serves as director of community and advocacy with Amplify Latinx in Massachusetts. He served as deputy director for the Boston mayor’s Office of Neighborhood Services (MONS). Additionally, Gonzalez served as an assistant commissioner for the City of Boston’s Inspectional Services Department. He has served as the political director for the Massachusetts Communities Action Network (MCAN), one of the state’s largest faith-based advocacy and action groups. Gonzalez was also a founding member and executive board member of Raise Up Massachusetts (RUM), an important social-justice table, dedicated to organizing for progressive ideals and driving systemic change. He earned a bachelor’s degree in history from Boston College.

King spent most of her career covering politics in New England, including leading the local, state, and regional political coverage for NBC Boston/NECN from 1995 until her retirement from television in April 2023. She has covered seven presidential elections and interviewed every Republican and Democratic presidential candidate since 1996. This spring, King will also be a Shorenstein fellow at the Harvard Kennedy School. She won several awards for her reporting, including four Emmys, two Gracies, and three Associated Press awards. King earned a bachelor’s in English from Colgate University and a master’s in journalism from New York University.

The Berry IOP fellowship was launched in 2022 with Janey and Levi serving as inaugural fellows. Read more about the fellowship program, current fellows, and previous fellows at https://www.salemstate.edu/academics/centers/center-civic-engagement/frederick-e-berry-institute-politics/berry-institute-politics-fellows .