Adviser Awards | Conventions | Special Events | Board Announcements | Confabs
Congratulations to the recipients of CMA’s 2026 Adviser Awards:
- Emerging Adviser Award:
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- Katherine Medina, Savannah College of Art and Design
- Mark Onwiler, University of Missouri
- Cheryl Welch, University of Tennessee, Knoxville
- Distinguished Adviser Award:
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- Sara Bauknecht, Chatham University
- Galen Perkins, Arkansas State University
- Shannon Philpott-Sanders, St. Louis Community College-Meramec
- Jeremy Shermak, Cuesta College
- Jasen Sokol, John Carroll University
- Dan Reimold Student Media Champion Award:
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- Vince Filak, University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh
- Frank LoMonte Ethics in Journalism Award:
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- Jennifer Moody, Oregon State University
- Montgomery Distinguished Service Award:
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- Russ Witcher, Tennessee Tech University
- Dan Garrity, College of Western Idaho
These annual awards honor excellence in college media advising, both emerging talent and longtime leadership, and celebrate advisers who have made a lasting impact on their students, programs, institutions and the field of collegiate journalism.
Recipients of the 2026 Adviser Awards will be formally recognized at the upcoming National College Media ConventionNov. 4-7 in Kansas City, Missouri. (See below for more convention details!)
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Flener leads KMBC 9 Investigates, the station’s in-depth reporting team focused on uncovering facts, holding the powerful accountable and helping viewers understand the issues shaping their communities. He also pioneered KMBC’s Chronicle franchise, an hourlong documentary series exploring the history, people and issues that define the Kansas City region. His recent work on KMBC 9 Chronicle: Restrained, an investigation into the use of restraint chairs in local jails, won a national Peabody Award and helped spur policy changes in more than 50 counties across Kansas and Missouri.
His reporting has also earned multiple Emmy Awards and recognition from RTDNA, the Society of Professional Journalists, NATAS, the Missouri Broadcasters Association and USC’s Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism.
Woodman leads USAFacts, a civic initiative founded by former Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer that provides Americans with easy access to nonpartisan government data. Prior to joining USAFacts, Woodman served as CEO of DataKind, a global nonprofit that applies data science and artificial intelligence in service of humanity. Before DataKind, she served as CEO of NetHope, an organization that unites nonprofits, technology companies, and funding partners to address the world's most pressing challenges. For the past four years, Woodman has served as co-chair of various World Economic Forum Global Future Councils focused on data-related issues.
Registration is now open for the National College Media Convention Nov. 4-7 in Kansas City, Missouri! Make plans now to join us for the largest gathering of collegiate journalists, media students and their advisers! You can save with early bird prices through Oct. 13:
Student/Adviser Member: $175
Student non-member: $225
Nonmember Adviser/Attendee: $295
Step into the heart of how stories are reported, produced and shared—across every platform. The fall convention will bring together students, advisers and media professionals from across the country for four days of learning, connection and collaboration. Presented by Associated College Press and College Media Association, the convention will feature sessions, speakers, critiques and contests across print, broadcast, audio, and digital media.
Attending offers a unique opportunity to learn from industry professionals, build practical skills and connect with peers from across the country. Through workshops, panels and keynotes, participants will gain insight into the evolving media landscape while sharing ideas and real newsroom experiences.
With nearly 1,000 attendees, the convention also serves as a space to showcase student work, receive feedback from experts and explore career paths in media.
Register for Convention
The convention will be hosted at The Westin Kansas City at Crown Center. Attendees can reserve discounted rooms at $215 per night for up to quad occupancy. (About $262, including taxes and fees.) Rooms are subject to availability and must be booked before Oct. 16 to receive the discounted rate. One person may reserve up to 10 rooms at a time.
Reserve Your Hotel Rooms
If you have an idea for a convention session, please submit a proposal! Submissions are reviewed on a rolling basis with selections based on relevance, originality and impact. Chosen sessions will be announced when the full program is finalized.
Submit a Session
Looking for support in your advising role? Want to connect with fellow advisers? The CMA Education Committee will host the next informal (virtual) Adviser Happy Hour from 5 to 6 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 13. Join us for lively conversation and perhaps a few games!
Register for Adviser Happy Hour
CMA will hold its monthly board meeting at 8:30 a.m. ET Tuesday, Sept. 22.
Click Here to Register to Attend
Ben McNeely
Ben McNeely
“Midterm Elections Matter”
5 p.m. ET Wednesday, Sept. 16
Cost: FREE
Presidential elections get all the attention, but midterm elections are just as important. And this year, the results will have a major impact on students. Get a primer on this year’s midterm races with veteran political journalist Ben McNeely, and learn tips on how your newsroom can make the midterms relevant to students. From how election night works to why horse-race reporting is horse hockey, you’ll get some tips on how to report on the midterms with impact.
Presented by Ben McNeely, North Carolina State University
BEN MCNEELY has practiced journalism since he was 14 years old. He spent his career at local North Carolina newspapers, and 10 years as a political news producer at Spectrum News 1. He currently serves as editorial advisor for student media at NC State University, where he advises two student newspapers, The Nubian Message and Technician.
Register for September Confab
CMA Confabs are monthly virtual sessions open to all CMA members. Attendance is free, but registration is required. Confabs are held on the third Wednesday of each month (excluding convention months.) Speakers and topics are subject to change. Follow event links to sign up and access the latest details. You can renew your membership or join CMA as part of registering for confabs. are monthly virtual sessions open to all CMA members. Attendance is free, but registration is required. Confabs are held on the third Wednesday of each month (excluding convention months.) Speakers and topics are subject to change. Follow event links to sign up and access the latest details. You can renew your membership or join CMA as part of registering for confabs.
Did you know CMA members can access Confab recordings online for a limited time following each event? Recent Confab recordings are available in the members-only section of the CMA website, along with the Adviser Handbook and other helpful resources.
