Former SAC Student Tabitha Hidalgo Leads UNT Student Newspaper

When Tabitha Hidalgo enrolled at San Antonio College (SAC) in fall 2022, she thought she would earn an associate degree in chemical dependency counseling. Within weeks, however, her lifelong love of journalism reignited – and set her on a path that now has her serving as editor-in-chief of The North Texas Daily, the student newspaper at the University of North Texas (UNT).

A Nontraditional Start

Hidalgo, 35, didn’t come to SAC right after high school. Growing up in the small town of Karnes City, she was active in journalism, speech and debate, band, and dance. After graduation, she pursued a professional career in dance and teaching. College was always in the back of her mind, but it took more than a decade before she returned to higher education.

“I always say journalism is the fire I just could never put out,” Hidalgo said. “I couldn’t see myself truly living a happy life without pursuing it.”

When Hidalgo finally committed to higher education, she was surprised to learn that SAC’s once-thriving journalism program – home of the storied Ranger newspaper – had been shuttered.

“It was a shock,” she said. “I knew about the Ranger and how successful the program had been, so to finally get here and see it wasn’t active anymore was discouraging.”

Still, Hidalgo wasn’t deterred.

Building Community at SAC

Hidalgo leaned into professional networks like the Society of Professional Journalists and the San Antonio Association of Hispanic Journalists while also creating opportunities for fellow students on campus. With the help of peers she founded the Student Media Club, recruiting classmates through classroom pitches and conversations in the Loftin Student Center.

“I wanted to bridge the gap for students who didn’t see a newspaper on campus yet but wanted to be part of something,” she said. “It was a grassroots effort, but it gave students community and a voice.”

The club became a launchpad for several students who later took leadership roles when SAC student media returned in a new form.

Professors Who Paved the Way

Hidalgo credits a long list of SAC faculty and staff for their encouragement and guidance. She recalls meeting Tricia Buchhorn, who connected her to former journalism program coordinator Jim Dalglish, and often checked in to offer advice.

She also found steady encouragement from instructor Ethan Rocke, who continued to mentor her even after she transferred to UNT, and instructor Justin Blacklock, her coach on SAC’s speech team, who motivated her to stay resilient when the program was still in transition.

“The support system at SAC was incredible,” Hidalgo said. “Even people who probably didn’t realize how influential they were helped keep me on track.”

From SAC to UNT

When it came time to transfer, Hidalgo had her sights set on UNT, drawn to the strong reputation of The North Texas Daily and the school’s proximity to the Dallas–Fort Worth media market.

At first, she only intended to contribute as a writer. But her natural leadership soon took over. After serving as senior arts and life writer, Hidalgo applied for and was selected as editor-in-chief.

On the very same day she was offered the top student newspaper role, she also secured an internship with KERA, North Texas’s NPR affiliate, where she worked on the talk show “Think” with Krys Boyd.

Balancing both roles was a challenge – but also an invaluable learning experience.
“It taught me a lot about time management and making quick editorial decisions,” she said. “In journalism, you don’t always have a long timeline. That practice was essential.”

Looking Ahead

Now in her final year at UNT, Hidalgo continues to write, edit, and lead with the confidence she built at SAC. She regularly returns to San Antonio to speak to SAC journalism classes about the importance of student media, encouraging current students to take advantage of every opportunity.

Her long-term plans include potentially returning to pursue her career locally.
“I would love to go back to San Antonio,” she said. “The journalism community there is so supportive, and people genuinely want to see you succeed.”

For current SAC students considering a similar path, Hidalgo offers this advice:
“Go for it. Take every opportunity – join organizations, contribute to student media, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Those opportunities at SAC can truly set you apart when you transfer.”

Photo - Editor-in-Chief Tabitha Hidalgo reads a past issue of the North Texas Daily inside the newsroom. Photo by Aiden Gonzalez