Bess Whitehead Scott (December 13, 1890 – December 27, 1997) was an American journalist from the early to mid 20th century. Scott is known for her accomplishments in reporting, public relations, advertising, and teaching. Scott is a noteworthy figure because she influenced journalism for women, and helped demonstrate that women are capable in the workplace.

Biography

Without any newspaper background, in 1915 Scott became the first female news reporter at ''

The Houston Post The ''Houston Post'' was a newspaper that had its headquarters in Houston, Texas, United States. In 1995, the newspaper shut down, and its assets were purchased by the ''Houston Chronicle''. History Gail Borden Johnson founded the ''Houston P ...

''. She talked her way into the job by reminding the company that all male reporters would be called to service in World War 1. At the time, most Texas newspapers only hired women for society and club reporting. She continued her journalism career until 1940. She later taught journalism at

Milby High School Charles H. Milby High School is a public secondary school at 1601 Broadway in the East End, Houston, Texas, United States.Map

in Houston and worked in advertising during World War II. She also had a career as an author, writing two screenplays, two journalism textbooks, and an autobiography. She helped establish and served as the editor at the Texas Federation of Business and Professional Women.

Awards

*Distinguished Alumna recognition,

Baylor University Baylor University is a private Baptist Christian research university in Waco, Texas. Baylor was chartered in 1845 by the last Congress of the Republic of Texas. Baylor is the oldest continuously operating university in Texas and one of the ...

(1992) *Outstanding Alumna recognition,

University of Mary Hardin-Baylor A university () is an institution of higher (or tertiary) education and research which awards academic degrees in several academic disciplines. Universities typically offer both undergraduate and postgraduate programs. In the United States, th ...

(1992) *Member of the

Texas Women's Hall of Fame The Texas Women's Hall of Fame was established in 1984 by the Governor's Commission on Women. The honorees are selected biennially from submissions from the public. The honorees must be either native Texans, or a resident of Texas at the time of th ...

(1994)

Bess Whitehead Scholarship Fund

The Bess Whitehead Scholarship Fund was created in her honor in 1991.

References

1890 births 1997 deaths Baylor University alumni 20th-century American women journalists 20th-century American journalists 20th-century American women writers Journalists from Texas University of Mary Hardin–Baylor alumni American centenarians Women centenarians {{US-journalist-stub