The Elon graduate spent Nov. 10 connecting with students in classrooms, over lunch, and during an evening discussion in Turner Theatre.
Elon University alumna Natalie Allison ’13, a White House reporter with The Washington Post, returned to campus Nov. 10 to reflect on her journey from The Pendulum newsroom to the national political stage. In an evening conversation in Turner Theatre with Professor Anthony Hatcher, chair of the Department of Journalism, Allison discussed the challenges and responsibilities of covering the presidency amid an increasingly polarized political landscape.
The evening event offered more than 75 students and community members an inside look at political reporting, accountability journalism, and the evolving media industry. Photos from Allison’s campus visit are available on Flickr.
Hatcher, who taught Allison as an undergraduate, praised her reporting and professional example. “Natalie is humble about her work, but she’s reporting on the U.S. president at a time of economic turmoil and political divisiveness in the country,” Hatcher said. “She is a fearless, ethical and talented reporter. As one of my current students told me, hearing from an Elon grad who is now a Washington Post journalist lets her know that she could do that, too. You couldn’t find a better role model for a young journalist.”
Bob Frigo, assistant dean and director of the Kernodle Center for Civic Life, added, “During her visit to campus, Natalie shared with us that the primary reason she wakes up each day is to hold our leaders accountable to the people. We need more journalists like Natalie to help us determine the truth and, in the process, restore our faith in government and the media.”
Throughout the day, Allison met with students from Elon News Network, visited Instructor of Journalism Elma Sabo’s News Reporting and Writing class, and joined Assistant Professor of Political Science & Public Policy Brian Brew’s Campaign and Elections course to discuss the intersection of journalism and politics. She also shared lunch with a group of students, including Communications Fellows and student journalists, before sitting down for an interview with ENN.
Allison joined The Washington Post’s White House reporting team in January 2025. She began her journalism career at Elon’s student newspaper, The Pendulum, before reporting for the Burlington Times-News, The Tennessean and Politico. Her reporting has earned multiple honors, including the grand prize at the Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights Book and Journalism Awards.
Allison’s visit was sponsored by the School of Communications, Council on Civic Engagement, Department of Political Science & Public Policy, Political Engagement Work Group, Kernodle Center for Civic Life, and the Student Media Board.