Prominent journalist Charles Bierbauer, a former CNN correspondent and university dean of journalism, passes away at 83.

Charles Bierbauer, a distinguished journalist and past president of the White House Correspondents Association, has sadly passed away at the age of 83. Bierbauer, who was married, died at his home in Spruce Pine, North Carolina, where he had been living in retirement.

Bierbauer's journalism career began in his native Pennsylvania, where he worked as a weekend reporter for WKAP. After earning degrees in journalism and Russian from Penn State University, he embarked on a 20-year tenure at CNN, covering the Pentagon, White House, U.S. Supreme Court, and various political stories. During this time, Bierbauer also won an Overseas Press Club Award in 1973 for his reporting on the Yom Kippur War.

One of Bierbauer's most memorable experiences was being detained in Moscow's Red Square while filming an anti-Soviet demonstration. Another notable incident occurred during his coverage of Muhammed Ali's 1978 travels in the Soviet Union, where he was denounced by the Soviet press for "asking impertinent questions."

After leaving CNN, Bierbauer became the first dean of the University of South Carolina's College of Information and Communications. During his tenure, he led a multimillion-dollar fundraising and renovation effort that moved the school from the outdated Carolina Coliseum to a state-of-the-art building on South Carolina's historic Horseshoe.

Bierbauer is fondly remembered for many achievements, including his support for students who went on to win Pulitzer Prizes. Tom Reichert, who succeeded Bierbauer as communications dean, recalled his predecessor's "profound impact on the program." A network spokesperson remembered Bierbauer as "a cherished member of the CNN family" and "tireless reporter and wonderful colleague."

Wolf Blitzer, Bierbauer's former CNN colleague, stated that Bierbauer inspired him and helped him during assignments at the Pentagon and the White House. Blitzer also mentioned that Bierbauer was a good friend, colleague, and mentor, and he will miss him.

Bierbauer is survived by his wife, Susanne Schafer, a longtime military affairs reporter for the AP, as well as four children, several grandchildren, and a great-grandchild. The journalism community mourns the loss of a dedicated and accomplished journalist.