Students in Southeast Missouri State University’s mass media program are earning national recognition for their work in the Arrow, the University’s student-run newspaper, with eight projects named finalists in the College Media Association’s (CMA) prestigious Pinnacle Awards.
CMA recently announced its Pinnacle awards finalists this week, which recognize the top media programs in the United States. The Arrow is up for eight awards in eight categories. The following are areas students are being recognized:
- Sports Pinnacles – Sports Feature (Audio/Video): “Senior Spotlight: Lexi McCully” Beto Vaca Diez and Kyler Messenger.
- News Pinnacles – Audio Newscast: “Arrow on the Air 2/24” Alex Barton, Neva Wodochek, Ariangelis Ortiz.
- General Pinnacles – Series: “Gen Z Faces Political Crossroads: Will Their Votes Shape the 2024 Election?” Arrow Staff.
- Creative Pinnacles – Editorial Illustration: “TikTok Ban Sparks Debate Over Privacy, First Amendment & National Security” Allie Murphree.
- Creative Pinnacles – Newspaper Front Page: “TikTok on the Clock” Allie Murphree, Lily Niebrugge, Neva Wodochek.
- Creative Pinnacles – Newspaper Spread: “TikTok on the Clock” Allie Murphree, Lily Niebrugge, Neva Wodocheck.
- Creative Pinnacles – Vertical Short Video: “Monday Minute Jan. 13, 2025” Pat Buck Jr. and Jordan Shields.
- Creative Pinnacles – Video Entertainment Program: “What’s Up SEMO – Who Ya Gonna Call (Feb. 26, 2025)” Pat Buck Jr. and Kyler Messenger.
All finalists are currently studying mass communications at SEMO. Beto Vaca Diez is majoring in TV and film, while Allie Murphree is majoring in advertising. Kyler Messenger, Alex Barton, Neva Wodochek and Lily Niebrugge are majoring in multimedia journalism. Pat Buck Jr. and Jordan Shields are majoring in media management.
“What really delighted me was the range of nominations which spans audio, video, design, and traditional journalism,” said Dr. Emmanuel Maduneme, assistant professor of mass media and faculty advisor for the Arrow. “It demonstrates how well the mass media program is preparing students for today’s multimedia landscape.”
This year’s finalists are competing in the College Media Association’s Division II category, a classification based solely on university enrollment size (3,000–9,999 undergraduate students). Peer institutions in this category include Vanderbilt University, Texas A&M University San Antonio, Pepperdine University and Tulane University, among others.
Winners will be announced during the College Media Association Fall Student Media Convention. This year’s conference will be held in Washington D.C from Oct. 15-18, 2025.
“The Arrow team doesn’t just report the news,” said Maduneme. “They’re also innovating on the ways journalism connects with audiences across all platforms, something the current journalism market is in sore need of these days.”
The Arrow’s continued national recognition underscores SEMO’s commitment to preparing students for careers in journalism, broadcasting, design, advertising and digital media through immersive, real-world experiences.
From the newsroom to the studio, SEMO students turn classroom knowledge into nationally recognized work. Explore the Department of Mass Media at SEMO and start building your portfolio today at semo.edu/massmedia.