Now that we have closed the books on the Fall 2024 semester at WKU Student Publications, allow me to brag on our students and their work.
We faced enormous challenges this semester, especially regarding our budget, but the work of our students across the board was nothing short of inspiring.
They played a true watchdog role in the WKU community, covering important stories that were essential if not universally popular. They held up a mirror to this diverse and vibrant community and captured slices of life on the Hill in ways that no one else can match. And they produced thoughtful work that prompted discussion and placed issues in front of the community these students serve.
On the journalism side, the College Heights Herald and the Talisman did some of their best work. The publications’ print editions were thoroughly reported and well told — everything from diving deep into WKU’s budget challenges to telling the community what went wrong with Hilltopper Hall, the showcase dorm that had to be closed because of construction flaws.
But if you only looked at print, you missed so much. Both the Herald and the Talisman excelled on their websites this semester, with the Herald truly becoming a daily newsroom that publishes around the clock, and the Talisman tapping into the life and culture of WKU and southern Kentucky in creative and innovative ways, such as the 270 Chronicles.
The Herald published a daily email newsletter each weekday morning at 8 a.m., hitting inboxes of more than 30,000 subscribers. Talisman did a weekly newsletter hitting an equally broad audience. Through their newsletters and websites, the two flagship publications told hundreds upon hundreds of stories during the semester — perhaps more than they have ever told during a single academic semester.
During the semester, the College Heights Herald brought home two more Associated Collegiate Press Pacemaker awards, the premier honor in college journalism, for multiplatform work and for its print edition. They marked the 24th and 25 Pacemakers the Herald has won, and brough the Student Publications total to 49.
On the business side, our Student Publications Advertising staff and the Cherry Creative branded content studio combined efforts to book well over $70,000 in revenue during the semester, from traditional advertising in the publications and websites to events such as the Fall Housing Fair and one of the best new traditions on the Hill, our Grad Guide and the opportunities it gives parents and friends to celebrate their graduates.
Finally, our alumni shined. When we put out the call that we needed financial help, Student Pubs alums proved once again they stand head and shoulders above the rest by providing external funding that helped with both immediate needs and long-term financial stability.
Fall 2024 was an excellent term for WKU Student Publications. Our students did important work, even if they did ruffle a few feathers. Our student leadership was vigorous and intentional — and they’re all staying in place for Spring 2025, which portends great things to come.
And that this level of work comes in our Centennial year — well, that’s just frosting on the cake!
Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to frame our semester just ended.
All the best,
Chuck