Published on November 7, 2024 by Gunnar Sadowey  
JournalismStudents
(Clockwise from top left) Olivia Koepp, Ashleigh Jones, Harper Harwell and Mackenzee Simms

Samford University student journalists were recently recognized with four awards at the College Media Association/Associated Collegiate Press (CMA/ACP) convention in New Orleans.

Competing in Division II, The Samford Crimson student newspaper and The Local student magazine earned accolades for outstanding work in social media, visual design, arts and entertainment reporting and coverage of diversity-related breaking news.

Olivia Koepp, a member of The Crimson team, received first place in Best Social Media Engagement for her work that kept the Samford community engaged and informed.

Harper Harwell, also of The Crimson, received an honorable mention for Best Breaking News Coverage of Diversity, highlighting the importance of timely and impactful coverage of diverse communities.

Mackenzee Simms earned third place for Best Arts and Entertainment Story, demonstrating excellence in engaging and insightful reporting for The Local.

Ashleigh Jones, who contributed to The Local, was awarded an honorable mention for Best Infographic, showcasing her talent for compelling visual storytelling.

“I could not be prouder of the work our students have done over the past year at Samford,” said Will Heath, faculty advisor for The Crimson. “Our students take their work seriously and have a lot of fun producing it. Their work is a credit to our department and to the University.”

Three of the four award winners have since graduated, but Olivia Koepp remains on campus and continues to contribute to The Crimson’s success.

 
Samford is a leading Christian university offering undergraduate programs grounded in the liberal arts with an array of nationally recognized graduate and professional schools. Founded in 1841, Samford is the 87th-oldest institution of higher learning in the United States. Samford enrolls 6,101 students from 45 states, Puerto Rico and 16 countries in its 10 academic schools: arts, arts and sciences, business, divinity, education, health professions, law, nursing, pharmacy and public health. Samford fields 17 athletic teams that compete in the tradition-rich Southern Conference and ranks 6th nationally for its Graduation Success Rate among all NCAA Division I schools.