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Florida International University’s College of Communication, Architecture + the Arts (CARTA) is proud to welcome Hall of Fame sportscaster Lesley Visser to the Lee Caplin School of Journalism & Media, where she is teaching an immersive, hands-on course focused on journalism and the FIFA World Cup during the Spring semester—giving students direct access to one of the most accomplished voices in global sports media.
Visser joins FIU as Faculty-in-Residence in the Lee Caplin School of Journalism & Media and Entrepreneur-in-Residence in the Ratcliffe Art + Design Incubator, bringing more than four decades of experience in global sports media directly into the classroom. Her appointment reflects FIU’s commitment to student success through experiential learning, global engagement, and meaningful strategic alliances—ensuring students graduate with the skills, confidence, and professional insight needed to thrive in today’s competitive media landscape.
“I want to stand before the students and let them know that whatever their dream is, I’m the example they can do it,” Visser said. “Lee Caplin, the renowned philanthropist and lifelong advocate for journalism, told me his mission is to prepare students for modern newsrooms. I am honored to be at FIU.”
A pioneering voice in sports journalism, Visser has worked at the highest levels of national media, including CBS Sports, NBC Sports, ABC, and ESPN—experience that students now access through direct mentorship and classroom instruction. Her reporting career spans the world’s most iconic sporting events, from Super Bowls and NBA Finals to the Olympics and multiple FIFA World Cups. Her presence at FIU offers students rare, firsthand insight into the realities of modern, global sports journalism. “I want students to know that truth is the DNA of journalism. It doesn’t mean we don’t make mistakes, it means we endeavor to present things honestly and carefully, based on the reporting we’ve done and the perspective we’ve earned,” states Visser.
At the heart of Visser’s involvement is the experiential course On the Road to the World Cup, an innovative course that places students at the intersection of journalism, global entertainment, culture, and storytelling—while positioning them for real-world reporting opportunities tied to one of the world’s largest sporting events. The course leverages FIU’s position as Miami’s public research university and the city’s role as a host location for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Lesley reflects on the inspiration behind the course, “On the Road to the World Cup was born of something Nelson Mandela – whom I had the immense privilege of meeting – once declared. ‘Sport has the power to change the world…’”
The course emphasizes advanced multimedia storytelling, collaborative reporting, and direct engagement with the global sports media ecosystem surrounding the World Cup. Students work in team-based reporting environments, sharpen on-deadline decision-making, and learn how to adapt stories for international audiences across platforms. Students gain hands-on experience while learning how major media organizations operate in fast-paced, international environments.
“The course is being led by Dr. Luis Gonzalez, Dr. Susan Jacobson, and legendary writer and editor Chuck Strouse, all giants in the business,” Visser added. “I hope to help shepherd it along with insights and practical advice from 10 years writing for The Boston Globe and 40 years in network television.”
By embedding industry leaders like Visser into academic programming, the Lee Caplin School of Journalism & Media advances the FIU Experience by accelerating career readiness, strengthening global engagement, and reinforcing strategic alliances that open doors for internships, mentorship, and professional networks for students.
“We are excited and deeply grateful to Lesley Visser for sharing her time, talent, and experience with our students,” said CARTA Dean Brian Schriner, emphasizing the impact on hands-on learning and career preparation. “Her presence reflects the Caplin Way—learning through experience, mentorship, and purpose-driven storytelling that prepares students to lead, innovate, and succeed on the world stage.”
