福利亚洲国产精品鈥檚 School of Communications has for the fifth consecutive year, a recognition based on student success in the prestigious Festival of Media Arts.

Elon ranked ninth overall in 2026, bolstered by a third-place national finish in the Student Audio category, which recognized 42 university and college media programs, and a fifth-place finish in the Student Film & Video category. Additionally, the school earned top-30 placements in Sports (No. 20), Documentary (No. 21) and News (No. 28).

The national ranking follows another successful year in the BEA Festival of Media Arts competition, where Elon students and faculty captured 13 awards across multiple categories.

Among the school鈥檚 top student finishes was Molly Clayton 鈥�27, a cinema and television arts B.F.A. major, who placed third in the Narrative Audio category for 鈥溾�� The project explores the roots and history of NASCAR in rural North Carolina and was recognized for its storytelling and production quality.

鈥淥ur students continue to produce work that is thoughtful, technically strong and competitive on a national stage,鈥� said Vic Costello, associate professor of cinema and television arts. 鈥淭o see their projects recognized across so many categories speaks to both their talent and the collaborative culture we鈥檝e built within the school.鈥�

Costello, a current and founding member of the BEA Festival of Media Arts Advisory Committee, noted that the rankings are especially meaningful because they measure sustained student success over a five-year period and across multiple competition categories.

According to the BEA news release, the rankings are not an overall evaluation of an academic program, but an evaluation of the quality and consistency of students鈥� creative works produced at one institution compared to those at other institutions.

This year鈥檚 top-10 programs, in order, were University of Oklahoma, Syracuse University, Arizona State University, University of Florida, Ball State University, Taylor University, Huntington University, Missouri State University, Elon and University of Miami.

鈥淲e鈥檙e proud to see Elon continue to earn recognition alongside many of the nation鈥檚 most respected communications programs,鈥� Costello said. 鈥淭hese rankings reflect the talent, ambition and professionalism of our students, as well as the mentorship and collaborative environment that help them thrive creatively.鈥�

While there are no overarching national rankings for communications programs, Costello said Elon鈥檚 continued success in the BEA rankings reinforces the high caliber of work being produced throughout the school.

The Broadcast Education Association is the leading international academic media organization, promoting innovation, excellence in media production, and professional development for educators, students, and industry professionals. The BEA Festival of Media Arts honors outstanding work by both students and faculty from institutions around the world.

As part of its annual awards ceremony, the School of Communications recognized several faculty and staff members for their outstanding contributions during the 2025-26 academic year. Held May 7 in Turner Theatre, the celebration honored individuals whose leadership, teaching, scholarship and service have helped shape the student experience and strengthen the school community.

鈥淭oday, we recognize our faculty and staff members 鈥撀爓ho are all outstanding. But each year some rise a bit above,鈥� said Kenn Gaither, dean of the School of Communications.

The ceremony, which kicked off with a few dozen student awards, also included a special retirement recognition for Professor of Journalism Anthony Hatcher, who will conclude more than two decades of service to 福利亚洲国产精品 at the end of the spring semester.

The following summaries highlight the honored faculty and staff members, listed in presentation order. Ceremony photos are available on the school鈥檚 .

Outstanding Staff Member Award

Maggie Mullikin, Manager of Experiential Programs

The award recognizes a staff member of the School of Communications who contributes to the betterment and reputation of the school and its initiatives.

During his introduction of the staff award, Gaither praised Mullikin for the steady guidance and energy she brings to experiential learning across the School of Communications.

鈥淢aggie plays a central role in helping our students make the most of their time at Elon,鈥� Gaither said. 鈥淪he helps students navigate ELRs, study-away opportunities, internships and career pathways, all while ensuring those experiences are meaningful, connected and, ultimately, transformative.鈥�

Gaither highlighted Mullikin鈥檚 ability to bring people together, noting her close collaborations with faculty, departments, Career Services and campus partners to ensure experiential learning remains a defining part of the student experience.

One school staff member described Mullikin as someone who 鈥渓ights up a room,鈥� adding that 鈥減eople gravitate toward her鈥� because of the welcoming and genuine presence she brings to every interaction.

Gaither also emphasized Mullikin鈥檚 commitment to helping students pursue opportunities beyond campus 鈥� whether refining a resume, preparing for an interview, or connecting students with alumni and industry professionals.

鈥淚f experiential learning is the engine that drives the School of Communications, Maggie is one of the people making sure it runs smoothly,鈥� Gaither said.

Excellence in Scholarship Award

Sydney Nicolla, Assistant Professor of Strategic Communications

This award recognizes a faculty member whose scholarly and creative work is of high quality and brings distinction to Elon.

In just a short time at Elon, Nicolla has built a research portfolio defined by both academic rigor and real-world relevance. For her growing body of work exploring how digital and social media can improve adolescent and women鈥檚 health, Nicolla was recognized with the school鈥檚 2026 Excellence in Scholarship Award. Much of her research focuses on gender-based violence, using communication research to better understand how prevention efforts can connect with young audiences in meaningful and effective ways.

鈥淗er work tackles complex, sensitive issues with both rigor and purpose 鈥� seeking not just to understand communication, but to use it as a tool for prevention and change,鈥� said Gaither during his award presentation.

Since joining Elon in fall 2023, Nicolla has quickly established herself as a rising scholar with publications in leading journals, including the Journal of Health Communication, Nicotine & Tobacco Research, and the Journal of Adolescent Health.

Gaither highlighted Nicolla鈥檚 recent publication in Communication Research Reports, which examined how young people describe unwanted sexual experiences using responses from nearly 800 participants. By studying the language young adults use to discuss those experiences, the research offers insight into how prevention messaging can better resonate with its intended audiences.

Gaither commended Nicolla for scholarship that reflects Elon鈥檚 mission as a student-centered institution, noting the intentionality she brings to both her teaching and research.

鈥淪ydney鈥檚 scholarship does exactly what we hope all great communication does,鈥� Gaither said. 鈥淚t listens carefully, speaks thoughtfully and works to make the world a little better.鈥�

Inclusive Excellence Award

Lorraine Ahearn, Assistant Professor of Journalism

The award recognizes a faculty member who provides exceptional leadership in diversity, equity and inclusion and enhances DEI initiatives across the school through action-oriented outcomes.

In presenting the Inclusive Excellence Award, Gaither emphasized the School of Communications鈥� continued commitment to fostering a culture where all individuals feel welcomed, supported and heard.

鈥淭hat commitment does not happen by accident,鈥� Gaither said. 鈥淚t requires leadership, intention and a willingness to engage in meaningful 鈥� and sometimes challenging 鈥� conversations.鈥�

An assistant professor of journalism, Ahearn was recognized for both her scholarship and leadership surrounding issues of representation, access and belonging. Drawing from a professional background as a reporter, columnist and commentator, her work has consistently focused on voice, accountability and the stories that often go untold.

Gaither noted that Ahearn鈥檚 scholarship, which explores the media history of marginalized communities, reflects a deep commitment to understanding who is represented in media narratives 鈥� and who is not.

But it is Ahearn鈥檚 leadership within the School of Communications that has made her impact especially visible. For the past two years, she has chaired the school鈥檚 Inclusive Excellence Committee, helping shape its vision and lead its signature event, the annual Spotlight on Inclusive Excellence.

Under her guidance, the event has evolved into a meaningful opportunity for students, faculty and staff to engage in conversations surrounding equity, representation and storytelling in the communications and sport industries.

鈥淎s Lorraine has noted, these conversations reflect a rapidly evolving communications landscape,鈥� Gaither said. 鈥淨uestions of access, voice and representation are not peripheral, but central to the work we do.鈥�

Gaither added that Ahearn鈥檚 work serves as a reminder that inclusive excellence is an ongoing process rooted in curiosity, care and thoughtful listening.

Excellence in Leadership Award

Ben Hannam, Associate Professor of Communication Design

The award recognizes a member of the School of Communications who richly contributes to the betterment and reputation of the school and the discipline.

In presenting the Excellence in Leadership Award, Gaither praised Hannam for guiding the Department of Communication Design through a period of growth, innovation and forward-thinking change.

鈥淕ood leadership moves things forward,鈥� Gaither said. 鈥淕reat leadership brings people with it. Professor Ben Hannam has done both.鈥�

Since becoming department chair in 2021, Hannam has helped lead the program through several significant developments, including the rollout of a revised curriculum and the recent approval to rename and rebrand the program as Visual Communication 鈥� changes designed to better align the program with the evolving creative industry.

Gaither also highlighted Hannam鈥檚 leadership surrounding artificial intelligence and emerging technologies, noting his involvement in campus-wide AI initiatives, interdisciplinary working groups and workshops focused on the thoughtful integration of AI into teaching and creative practice.

Hannam also played a key role in launching the inaugural Make Your Mark: AI Poster Competition, a hands-on event that challenged students to critically examine how AI can support 鈥� rather than replace 鈥� creative work.

鈥淚t鈥檚 a fitting example of Ben鈥檚 approach,鈥� Gaither said. 鈥淧ractical, collaborative and just a little bit experimental 鈥� in the best sense of the word.鈥�

Beyond his work within the department, Hannam was commended for building partnerships across campus, including collaborations with the Art Department, the AI Sandbox, Game Design initiatives, and the development of the Digital Content Management major.

One colleague praised Hannam for his 鈥渋nitiative, inclusivity, desire for innovation, significant hard work behind the scenes and steady leadership.鈥�

Gaither added that Hannam鈥檚 leadership has strengthened the department while expanding opportunities for students and faculty alike.

Excellence in Teaching Award

Jessalynn Strauss, Associate Professor of Strategic Communications

The award recognizes a faculty member who is outstanding in the classroom, current in the discipline, a quality academic adviser, and committed to student learning at the highest level.

During his presentation of the Excellence in Teaching Award, Gaither praised Strauss for the thoughtful, student-centered approach she brings to every classroom experience.

鈥淎t a university recognized as the nation鈥檚 leader in undergraduate teaching, excellence in the classroom is not just an expectation 鈥� it鈥檚 a defining part of who we are,鈥� Gaither said. 鈥淛essalynn Strauss represents that distinction in every sense.鈥�

An associate professor and chair of the Department of Strategic Communications, Strauss teaches courses including Strategic Writing, Public Relations and Civic Responsibility, Strategic Research Methods and Great Ideas. Across each course, Gaither noted that Strauss consistently challenges students while ensuring they feel supported throughout the learning process.

Much of Strauss鈥� impact was reflected in the words shared by her students, who described her as 鈥渋ncredibly encouraging,鈥� 鈥渄eeply engaged,鈥� and someone who 鈥済enuinely cares鈥� about student success.

鈥淥ne student noted that she 鈥榳ill try and help you with literally anything,鈥欌�� Gaither said. 鈥淎nother shared that they left her class feeling like their work would 鈥榓ctually serve them in the professional world.鈥欌��

Gaither emphasized Strauss鈥� ability to meet students where they are and help them grow with confidence through detailed feedback, carefully structured assignments and a classroom environment that balances independence with guidance.

鈥淥ne student described her teaching style as being 鈥榡ust hands-off enough鈥� to encourage independence, while always being there to guide and redirect,鈥� Gaither said.

A colleague also praised Strauss for creating a classroom atmosphere where students feel both energized and valued.

鈥淗er enthusiasm in the classroom helps students learn and makes them happy at the same time,鈥� one colleague shared. 鈥淭hey feel valued.鈥�

Gaither added that Strauss embodies the qualities that define outstanding teaching at Elon 鈥� rigorous, relevant and deeply personal.

Retirement recognition: Anthony Hatcher

After more than two decades of service to 福利亚洲国产精品, Professor of Journalism Anthony Hatcher will retire at the conclusion of the spring semester, leaving behind a legacy defined by mentorship, integrity and an unwavering commitment to students.

Since joining the School of Communications in 2002, Hatcher has shaped generations of journalists through his thoughtful teaching, steady guidance and deep belief in the power and responsibility of journalism. Whether leading discussions on difficult global issues, mentoring aspiring reporters, or directing study abroad experiences across the world, Hatcher has approached every interaction with empathy, fairness and academic rigor.

鈥淔or Anthony, students always come first. Always,鈥� Dean Gaither said during a retirement recognition at the school鈥檚 annual awards ceremony. 鈥淪tudents see him as a knowledgeable, caring instructor. Colleagues see him as a calming influence who engenders respect for who he is 鈥� no airs, no fronts, no ego.鈥�

Over the years, Hatcher led global engagement experiences to countries including South Africa and Poland, while also helping students navigate conversations surrounding religion, media, politics and culture with openness and respect. One student described him as 鈥渙ne of the most thoughtful professors I鈥檝e ever had,鈥� praising his ability to create space for honest dialogue without fear of judgment.

Gaither also noted Hatcher鈥檚 lasting influence on the journalism profession, with former students now working in newsrooms across the country.

鈥淗e is, and always will be, one of the purest guardians of truth and information through journalism,鈥� Gaither said.

As he begins retirement, colleagues and alumni alike will remember Hatcher not only as an outstanding educator, but as a kind, humble and deeply respected member of the Elon community.

The School of Communications celebrated its annual awards ceremony on May 7 in Turner Theatre, recognizing outstanding student achievement from the 2025鈥�26 academic year with a program that was equal parts heartfelt, humorous and reflective. Faculty and staff presenters shared stories of once wide-eyed first-year students growing into confident young professionals, sprinkled in playful anecdotes and even delivered an unexpected lesson about rabbit eyelids 鈥� moments that reflected the close-knit spirit of the school community.

From a pool of nearly 1,100, more than 35 exceptional students were honored for their academic excellence, leadership in campus media and student organizations, and impressive performance in competitive internships. Additionally, the school presented its second Excellence in Community Engagement Award, recognizing a student who has thoughtfully engaged with the local community.

鈥淭his ceremony is one of the highlights of the year because we turn the spotlight on our students 鈥� the very lifeblood of our school,鈥� said Kenn Gaither, dean of the School of Communications, during his opening remarks. 鈥淭oday is really about our students 鈥� students who will become alumni tomorrow and join the many before them achieving great success in their chosen careers.鈥�

Ceremony photos are available on the school鈥檚

Outstanding Senior Award recipients

These six awards recognize graduating seniors who have gone above and beyond 鈥� demonstrating exceptional talent, deep expertise in their fields, and a lasting impact on both the School of Communications and their areas of study through personal and professional achievements.

• , Cinema and Television Arts Award. Presented by Bryan Baker.
• , Communication Design Award. Presented by Ben Hannam.
• , Journalism Award. Presented by Anthony Hatcher.
• , Media Analytics Award. Presented by Alex Traugutt.
• , Sport Management Award. Presented by Shaina Dabbs.
• , Strategic Communications Award. Presented by Shanetta Pendleton.

Student Scholarships

The scholarships and honorees are listed as they were presented at the May 7 ceremony.

Times-News Publishing Co., Inc. Scholarship
Marissa Fluno ’28

Awarded to one journalism student in the School of Communications who is planning on a career in print journalism and has demonstrated leadership, scholarship, service to the community, and exemplary character traits. Presented by Shanetta Pendleton.

Anthony & Olga Duke Communications Scholarship
Sara Kershow ’29

Awarded to students pursuing majors in the School of Communications on the basis of merit. Presented by Keith Barber.

A.J. Fletcher Award
Katharyn MacDonald ’27 and Taylor Radney ’28

This award honors outstanding students majoring in strategic or broadcast communications who demonstrate a wide-ranging interest in the field, service to the community, and leadership on campus or in their lives. Presented by Sydney Nicolla and Jessalynn Strauss.

Excellence in Community Engagement Award
Mackie Motley ’26

Awarded to one student in the School of Communications who has engaged deeply and consistently with the local community throughout their time at Elon. Presented by Kyle Anderson.

James Wesley Willard II Memorial Scholarship
Kira Hancuff ’28

Awarded to one student enrolled in the School of Communications on the basis of merit. Presented by David Bockino.

William S. E. Neff Elon Experiences Scholarship
Skylar Cook ’28

Awarded to students with outstanding merit within the School of Communications to complete an Elon experience through study abroad, internship, leadership, service or undergraduate research. Presented by David Bockino.

Stanley Albright Cook and Grace Lillian Lane Cook Endowed Scholarship
Lyda Cosgrove ’27

Awarded to students majoring in journalism who demonstrate outstanding scholarly work. Presented by Amanda Sturgill.

Don Bolden School of Communications Dean鈥檚 Scholarship Fund
Camila Montoya ’27

This award was created to fund experiences for Elon students to understand the links between learning in the classroom and applying that knowledge to explore and report on the world around them. Presented by Karen Lindsey.

James Michael Elzar Foreman Endowment
Francess (Finn) Wilkinson ’27

This award honors the most promising rising senior focusing on television production to be used to fund an Elon Experience related to the student鈥檚 major. Presented by Karen Lindsey.

Dubois Legacy Scholarship
Ellie Agulnek ’27

Awarded to rising juniors or seniors in the School of Communications who demonstrate a consistent commitment to their course of study and who show great promise through their participation in study abroad programs and internships. Presented by Phillip Motley.

Priestley Journalism Endowed Scholarship
Megan Walsh ’28

Awarded to one female journalism major preparing for a writing career in public circulation newspapers and/or magazines. Presented by Colin Donohue.

Brad Hamm International Communications Scholarship
Ethan Wu ’27

Awarded to one rising junior or senior student enrolled in the School of Communications, who is either an international student or has demonstrated strong international interest. Presented by Ben Hannam.

The James F. Hurley Legacy Scholarship
Rylan Ammerman ’28

Awarded to high achieving students enrolled in the School of Communications with preference to journalism majors. Presented by Tom Nelson.

D鈥橝ngelo Family Scholarship in Memory of Bill and Kappy Leonard
Abigail Hines ’27

Awarded to one outstanding rising senior majoring in journalism and preparing to enter the field of broadcast journalism. Presented by Kelly Furnas.

Sport Management Endowed Scholarship
Isaiah Scott ’27 and Kaylin Wong ’28

Awarded to declared sport management majors who have a record of contributions to the department and exhibit significant potential for professional success. Presented by Lindsay Pieper and Alex Traugutt.

Chris Edwards 鈥�18 Award for Sports Journalism
Philip Doherty ’26

This award recognizes the work of a graduating senior who has established a record of academic success, demonstrated mastery within sports journalism, and made significant contributions to their major. It will honor quality sports journalism in Chris鈥� name, serving as an annual reminder to students and alumni of his contributions to the School of Communications. Presented by Max Negin.

School of Communications Founding Dean Scholarship Endowment
Molly Lorden ’27 and Miles Hayford ’27

Awarded to rising seniors with strong academic records in one of the majors offered by the School of Communications who are emerging as leaders in student media or student organizations in the school. Presented by Jane O’Boyle and Lorraine Ahearn.

Special recognitions

To kick off the ceremony, Gaither recognized the school鈥檚 fifth class of Kappa Tau Alpha, the college honor society that recognizes academic excellence and promotes scholarship in journalism and mass communication.

This year鈥檚 honorees include: Maddie Bauman ’26, Emmy Beauvais ’26, Emma Corbett ’26, Evelyn Ealey ’26, Halli Harwood ’26, Hannah Jordan ’26, Angelina Mancuso ’26, Jenna Mangan ’26, Amanda McGee ’26, Anabella Parisi ’26, Annie Thyfault ’26 and Elizabeth Walker ’26. Members must rank in the top 10 percent of their class and hold at least a 3.0 GPA.

Kappa Tau Alpha, or KTA, is the seventh-oldest honor society in the nation and one of a few that specifically recognizes the achievements and academic performance of our nation鈥檚 burgeoning journalists.

A bright orange shrimp cuts across a deep blue background, doubling as both illustration and information. It鈥檚 bold, clear and just a little playful 鈥� a design that helped 福利亚洲国产精品鈥檚 earn top honors at this year鈥檚 American Advertising Awards.

The student-run public relations and advertising agency received one gold and one silver ADDY on March 6 at the American Advertising Federation Triangle gala in Raleigh, which recognizes the best in advertising across Central and Eastern North Carolina.

Live Oak earned a gold ADDY in the Elements of Advertising 鈥� Art Direction category for its 鈥淪ummer Shrimp Boil鈥� postcard created for Olde Forest Racquet Club. The design pairs a limited color palette with bold typography and an oversized illustration, turning a simple event promotion into a memorable visual experience that is both functional and fun.

The agency also received a silver ADDY in the Elements of Advertising 鈥� Art Direction category for its 鈥淩ooted in Community鈥� campaign. The initiative provides philanthropic organizations in Alamance County with access to Live Oak鈥檚 services at a reduced cost. Campaign materials were showcased during a promotional event that connected potential partners with the agency and ultimately led to a spring 2026 partnership with Alamance Scholars.

鈥淭hese students continue to push their classroom learning into real-world application,鈥� said Hal Vincent, Live Oak鈥檚 faculty director since 2013. 鈥淥ur clients benefit from thoughtful, strategic work, and it鈥檚 especially rewarding to see that work recognized by industry professionals.鈥�

The recognition reflects Live Oak鈥檚 continued momentum as a nationally recognized student-run agency, where students develop creative solutions for real clients while building professional-level portfolios.

Behind the award-winning work is Live Oak鈥檚 2025 team 鈥� Maddie Bauman ’26, Halli Harwood ’26, Brennan Martin ’26, Amanda McGee ’26, Emma Ciesla ’26 and Ethan Wilshinsky ’26 鈥� whose creativity and strategic thinking resonated with judges and clients alike.

Live Oak Communications is 福利亚洲国产精品鈥檚 student-run public relations and advertising agency designed to give students the unique experience of partnering with real clients. Since opening in 2007, the organization has worked with numerous local businesses, nonprofits and organizations, providing them with professional, award-winning work. The agency鈥檚 capabilities include: public relations, content production, digital marketing, advertising, design, research and strategy and social media. Live Oak currently serves six clients, including Alamance Scholars, Blue Ribbon Diner, McPherson Cleaners, The Mark at Elon, The Olde Forest Racquet Club, and The Village Grill.

AAF Triangle is the voice of the advertising industry in the Raleigh-Durham-Coastal Plains areas. The organization sponsors programs that support the national organization鈥檚 initiatives in education, diversity, public service and government relations for advertising agencies, marketing teams, freelancers and students. Its signature event is the American Advertising Awards. This national awards program begins at the local level, then progresses to the district level, and ultimately the national level. AAF Triangle also offers an ongoing series of programs, events, and competitions that give members a chance to learn more about the industry and colleagues in the Raleigh, Durham and Chapel Hill area.

The endowed fellowship, awarded through 福利亚洲国产精品鈥檚 Office of Faculty Research & Development, provides an $11,000 stipend to support faculty scholarship. The award offers dedicated time for research and creative activity while recognizing the demands of teaching, mentoring and experiential learning during the academic year.

Costello鈥檚 project will contribute to the fourth edition of 鈥淢ultimedia Foundations: Core Concepts for Digital Design,鈥� which is under contract with Taylor & Francis and scheduled for publication in 2027. The revised edition responds to rapid changes in the media landscape, particularly the rise of generative artificial intelligence, mobile-first content creation, and the growing creator economy. His work will focus on developing two new chapters centered on AI and emerging technologies, as well as mobile media production and cross-platform workflows.

A widely adopted, peer-reviewed textbook, 鈥淢ultimedia Foundations鈥� also serves as a required text in Elon鈥檚 COM 2200 course, a foundational class in digital design and storytelling within the School of Communications. The current edition spans more than 500 pages and includes hundreds of illustrations, reflecting its blend of conceptual and visual instruction.

Costello said the fellowship will allow him to build on that foundation while incorporating emerging tools and ethical considerations that are shaping the future of media production.

“I am deeply grateful to 福利亚洲国产精品 and to Adrienne A. Livengood-Baker and Greg Livengood for their generous commitment to faculty research and scholarship,鈥� he said. 鈥淭his fellowship provides the time and resources to pursue meaningful work while enabling deeper exploration of emerging AI platforms and media technologies as they reshape creative workflows in digital storytelling. It also affirms the value the university places on inquiry, innovation and academic excellence.鈥�

The Livengood-Baker Faculty Summer Fellowship is made possible through the generosity of Adrienne A. Livengood-Baker P鈥�09 and Greg Livengood 鈥�09, whose endowed gift reflects a commitment to advancing faculty excellence and scholarly engagement at 福利亚洲国产精品.

福利亚洲国产精品 students stepped into the spotlight in Las Vegas 鈥� not on stage, but behind it 鈥� producing the for a second consecutive year. In a trip defined by high-level production experience, one quieter moment stood out: a brief conversation with acclaimed cinematographer Sir Roger Deakins that underscored just how close these students were to the industry they hope to enter.

Held as part of BEA鈥檚 annual convention, the mid-April ceremony recognizes top student and faculty work in film, journalism and multimedia storytelling programs from colleges and universities across the country. Tasked with producing the awards ceremony, eight Elon students managed all aspects of this year鈥檚 live show 鈥� from scripting and editing to lighting, audio and video execution.

Elon鈥檚 presence at the convention extended beyond production. Students and faculty captured 13 awards in the 2026 BEA Festival of Media Arts, which featured more than 2,250 entries from over 300 colleges and universities. The honors included 10 student awards and three faculty and staff awards across categories such as audio, film and video, documentary, news and interactive multimedia.

Led by Bryan Baker, director of technology, operations and multimedia projects, the Elon team created a series of video packages highlighting award winners and developed a detailed run of show that guided the evening from start to finish.

鈥淔rom early planning through execution in Las Vegas, the students brought a high level of professionalism and creativity to an event that celebrates some of the best work in the country,鈥� Baker said. 鈥淭his experience really showcased what our students are capable of.鈥�

Amid the demands of producing a live show, students said the experience helped strengthen relationships and create lasting memories.

鈥淚’ve known almost everyone on the trip for at least two or three years 鈥� two of them were actually students in an Elon 1010 class that I was a peer educator for,鈥� said Sylvie Cullen ’26, a double major in cinema and television arts and communication design. 鈥淚 really enjoyed seeing everyone excel in their areas of expertise, especially those whose work I haven’t seen in some time.鈥�

Cullen served as both a photographer and liaison between the show鈥檚 hosts and audio team, while also helping edit multiple video packages.

In addition to Cullen, the Elon production team included Charlotte Pfabe ’27, Anjolina Fantaroni ’26, Colin Dorroh ’27, Philip Doherty ’26, Liam Dupas ’26, Julien Dupas ’26 and Kira Hancuff ’28. Pfabe and Fantaroni emceed the ceremony.

While the production itself was a major professional milestone, students said one of the most memorable moments occurred away from the stage 鈥� their conversation with Deakins.

Widely regarded as one of the most influential cinematographers of his generation,聽Deakins is known for his work on films such as 鈥�1917,鈥� 鈥淥 Brother, Where Art Thou?鈥� and 鈥淭he Big Lebowski,鈥� earning multiple Academy Awards and nominations over a decades-long career.

For students immersed in film and media production, the opportunity to meet Deakins and his wife, James Ellis Deakins, carried significant meaning. In a brief, informal conversation lasting about 10 minutes, the group spoke with Deakins about his work and experiences in the industry.

鈥淢eeting him honestly was surreal,鈥� said Liam Dupas 鈥�26, a cinema and television arts major. 鈥淚 enjoyed how down-to-earth he seemed; he didn’t have an ego at all. I appreciated his humility and genuineness. He鈥檚 also pretty funny, too.鈥�

Cullen echoed that sentiment, noting the personal nature of the interaction.

鈥淩oger and James Deakins were extremely kind and such a lovely couple to be around,鈥� she said. 鈥淚 appreciated how willing they were to talk with us about our trip and their experiences. Roger also spoke about the intersection of documentary and narrative filmmaking, which is something that has always drawn me in while studying at Elon.鈥�

SPJ鈥檚 Region 2 includes Delaware, Maryland, North Carolina, Virginia and the District of Columbia. First-place recipients advance to the national competition, where they will be judged alongside winners from SPJ鈥檚 12 regions. National honorees will be recognized at the SPJ convention, scheduled for Oct. 1鈥�4 in Columbus, Ohio.

Elon News Network earned seven first-place awards:

• Best All-Around Student Newspaper | The Pendulum |聽April 9, 2025;聽April 30, 2025;聽and聽Dec. 10, 2025 editions
• General News Reporting | Nia Bedard |
• In-depth Reporting | Anjolina Fantaroni |
• Feature Photography | Katrina Holtz聽|聽
• Television Feature Reporting | Charlotte Pfabe |聽
• Regional Political Reporting | Miles Hayford | and
• Retail/Small Business Journalism | Lilly Molina | and

In addition, the organization earned five finalist nods:

• Best Affiliated Website | Elon News Network |聽
• Best All-Around Television Newscast | ENN Tonight |聽听别诲颈迟颈辞苍
• Best Use of Multimedia | Erin Martin |
• Personality Profile Writing | Avery Sloan |
• Sports Writing | Miles Hayford |

With an hour after watching 鈥淭he Oldest Person in the World鈥� open the , 福利亚洲国产精品 students were talking with the film’s director, Sam Green, at the festival鈥檚 opening night party. It is a moment that captures the access and immersion of the students鈥� experience as Full Frame Fellows.

Each spring, elondocs students participate in the Full Frame Documentary Film Festival as Fellows, joining one of the nation鈥檚 leading documentary gatherings. Accompanied by Nicole Triche, professor of cinema and television arts, 11 Elon students spent four days last week attending film screenings, panels and social events, interacting with filmmakers and networking with industry professionals.

Throughout the festival, students attended screenings at the Carolina Theatre and Durham Convention Center, moving between venues to experience a wide range of films and engage in conversations with filmmakers and audiences. For many, the opportunity to interact directly with filmmakers 鈥� including conversations with Green 鈥� offered a deeper understanding of how documentaries are conceived, structured and brought to life.

鈥淭he Full Frame Fellows experience gives students a chance to see documentary as both an art form and a profession,鈥� said Triche, who serves as faculty director of elondocs. 鈥淭hey are engaging with filmmakers, hearing how stories come together, which will help them with their own projects.鈥�

Inside packed theaters, students experienced the collective energy of audiences engaging with documentary storytelling in real time.

鈥淥ne of the most important takeaways was the fact that people are still excited and engaging with documentary as an art form,鈥� said Trista Panagakos 鈥�28, a journalism major from Staten Island, New York. 鈥淚t brings me hope for my future when I see a theater full of people enjoying a documentary.鈥�

For Sandy Orozco-Rosaldo 鈥�28, a double major in cinema and television arts and strategic communications from Burlington, the experience also highlighted the power of cultural representation on screen.

鈥淎 personal highlight for me was seeing parts of my Mexican culture represented in a different light,鈥� Orozco-Rosaldo said. 鈥淭he film 鈥楯aripeo鈥� by Efrain Mojica and Rebecca Zweig was something I had never seen in a cultural sense and in a cinematography sense, both beautifully executed.鈥�

Orozco-Rosaldo also said the festival expanded her understanding of the documentary landscape.

鈥淚 learned how vast of a documentary community there is here in North Carolina and beyond. I feel confident that there are people out there waiting to see great works not so far from my home and campus.鈥�
鈥撀燬andy Orozco-Rosaldo 鈥�28

Beyond the screenings and formal events, the fellowship also fostered connections within the elondocs cohort, as students reflected on films and shared insights throughout the experience.

鈥淚 really enjoyed spending time with the elondocs cohort,鈥� Panagakos said. 鈥淢any of us drove to and from Full Frame together and watched the same movies. This brought us closer and allowed us to break down films together and experience each other outside of our meetings.鈥�

For Triche, that connection between academic preparation and professional exposure is central to the program鈥檚 mission.

鈥淲hen students can see themselves in these spaces, engaging with filmmakers and contributing to the conversation, it helps make their goals feel tangible,鈥� she said.

In addition to Orozco-Rosaldo and Panagakos, other Elon students in attendance included Evan Lukacs, Mary Finch, Julia Chan, Lily Gooding, Kaitlyn Dicataldo, Ashley Metzger, Alice Morrissey, Amalia Zucker and Sean Greenberg.

The 2026 Full Frame Documentary Film Festival featured 49 films from 31 countries, selected from more than 1,100 submissions.

McCollum, a cinema and television arts BFA major from Charlotte, spent last fall studying at the Academy of Performing Arts in Prague, also known as FAMU. The program is unique among Elon鈥檚 study abroad programs: eight hours of class a day for the first two months, with the rest of the semester dedicated entirely to filming and editing a short film.

“You’re really there to focus on making this one film, which is kind of awesome,鈥� McCollum said.

After students pitch scripts at the start of the program, seven are selected, and crews form organically around those directors. McCollum landed the role of director of photography on 鈥淣ight Shift,鈥� a dark mystery short about a janitor who discovers a dead body in his office building and is met with indifference when he seeks help. The team immediately set about trying to find locations to film around Prague 鈥� which turned out not to be an easy task.

When the crew applied to 20 locations around the city and heard nothing back, they turned their own school building into a film set. The production designer spent an hour before and after every shoot day transforming the space, while McCollum measured each room in advance to plan every lighting setup.

The film was also shot on 16mm 鈥� real, physical film 鈥� which added an entirely different layer of pressure. No monitor, no autofocus, no fixing exposure problems in post-production.

“You don’t really know what your shot looked like until you saw it on the big screen,” McCollum said.

When the group left Prague, they pooled $50 each and handed McCollum the $200 to spend on festival submissions. He used Film Freeway to submit to festivals in Charlotte, Los Angeles, and New York 鈥� the hometowns of the four crew members. Then he waited.

The first response came from the Independent Shorts Awards, where 鈥淣ight Shift鈥� earned a Bronze Award for Best Production Design. A follow-up email brought additional recognition 鈥撀燼n Honorable Mention for Best Mystery Short, a category McCollum hadn鈥檛 even entered. The film has also been nominated for Best Student Short at the Queen City Culture Film Festival in Charlotte, scheduled for Saturday, April 25, with several more decisions still pending.

With early success on the festival circuit, the experience has reshaped how McCollum views filmmaking beyond the classroom. He plans to submit his senior BFA film to festivals and now encourages other student filmmakers to take that same step.

鈥淥nce you apply to your first festival, you’ll get attention,鈥� he said. 鈥淵ou just gotta get your foot in the door.鈥�

A Virginia resident majoring in communication design, Wu grew up in the DaXing area near the capital city until age 12 and has closely followed efforts to clean up the LiangShui (Cold Water) River.

Judges for the Pulitzer Fellowship, a competitive international travel grant awarded to an Elon student journalist each year, noted that Wu鈥檚 proposal stood out for its background research and on-the-ground context.

A fluent Mandarin speaker with his own photography business, Wu noted that while air pollution in China receives much attention, less coverage has been given to water quality and to the impact of factory effluent, agricultural runoff, and untreated waste on the region鈥檚 rivers, lakes and groundwater. Wu believes much has changed since the conditions he observed in his childhood, when waterways were filled with algae blooms and litter.

鈥淭his is an example of when a community and its officials reach an agreement to improve a crucial resource to their well-being and actually work out a beneficial solution,鈥� he said. 鈥淗owever, there are so many towns, especially rural ones, that lack the power, voice or physical ability to improve something as important as a shared waterway.鈥�

福利亚洲国产精品 is a long-standing member of the , a network of colleges and universities that support the center鈥檚 mission to promote journalism on critical global issues. The organization pairs students with mentors and advises student journalists through the reporting and publication phases. Students from the 39 participating campuses travel to Washington, D.C., to present their projects, and campus partners also benefit from professional journalist grantees who visit partner campuses.

Among his professors and collaborators at Elon News Network, Wu has earned a reputation for being open to a variety of assignments and for his technical dexterity, said Randy Piland, associate teaching professor in Communication Design.

鈥淓than鈥檚 always willing to take on any photo assignment,鈥� Piland said. 鈥淗e has a sense for quality. He鈥檚 taken it to another level.鈥�

Lorraine Ahearn, assistant professor of journalism, serves as Elon鈥檚 liaison to the Pulitzer Center.