Phoenix news anchor Vanessa Ruiz is joining Arizona State University’s (ASU) Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communications to direct borderlands coverage for regular student-produced news coverage. 

Ruiz, who previously worked at 12 News in Phoenix, will start Aug. 1.

"I am thrilled and honored to be joining the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism, one of the most prestigious journalism schools in the nation,” Ruiz said in a press release. “Arizona PBS will give me the opportunity to continue to practice the craft I love.”

Ruiz worked at Phoenix’s award-winning NBC affiliate KPNX, co-anchoring broadcasts in various prime time slots for the past two years. Previously, she worked at Los Angeles’ KNBC 4, as well as Telemundo and TV Marti.

“I am incredibly proud to be joining a university that values inclusion, diversity and access for all,” Ruiz said in the release. “I am very excited to be a part of ASU's mission."

In her new capacity, she will oversee advanced journalism students who produce “Cronkite News,” with a special focus on the U.S.-Mexico border area and general Latino issues throughout Arizona, and weekly affiliated Spanish-language broadcasts.

“Vanessa is a fantastic, fully bilingual journalist who is passionate about teaching and growing the next generation of great journalists,” Christopher Callahan, dean of the Cronkite School and CEO of Arizona PBS, said in the release. “She will inspire our students and serve as a role model. We’re delighted that she will be an integral part of Cronkite News and a key leader of our growing Spanish-language news programming.”