Recognizing the need for aspiring leaders in the news media, the James M. Cox Jr. Institute for Journalism Innovation, Management and Leadership at the Grady College has joined with the Poynter Institute to offer a leadership development program for a fourth year.
Fifteen students were selected based on a demonstrated commitment to their professional development through work in student media, internships and other student activities. They are Evelyn Andrews, Gabriel Cavallaro, Erin Cavalli, Grace Donnelly, Jennifer Goldberger, Jamie Han, Macey Kessler, Katie Kraft, Sam Lack, Mariya Lewter, Lauren McDonald, Alison Menhart, Emily Selby, Haylee Silverthorne, and Kalyn Wilson.
“Rapid changes in our news media brought on by digital transformation are creating significant opportunities for Grady students who are finding themselves on the frontlines of leadership earlier and earlier in their careers,” said Keith Herndon, a visiting professor of journalism at the Grady College who is directing the program. “This program introduces students to the fundamentals of leadership and emphasizes best practices for digital project management. They are more prepared to accept the responsibilities contemporary newsrooms expect of them.”
These students complete 12 lessons over a six-week period, including six live workshops at Grady and six online webinars offered by Poynter’s News University, Poynter’s highly successful e-learning platform.
“I think it’s especially important to have leaders at news organizations today who can confidently make decisions and hold themselves and others accountable to core journalistic values,” said Grace Donnelly, a magazine journalism senior. “This program has allowed me to learn from industry leaders about difficult situations that my peers and I will have to confront as we move into newsrooms.”
Added Macey Kessler, a digital and broadcast journalism senior: “This program taught me a lot about leadership, but mostly a lot about myself. It was greatly needed and inspiring during the last semester before graduation. I have gained … confidence in myself and my abilities as I enter the job force.”
The Cox Poynter Leaders will be recognized for their training in new leadership during a spring leadership banquet on March 3. The keynote speaker will be Michelle LaRoche, development editor at The Wall Street Journal.
