Dean Mills Honored by Missouri Interscholastic Press Association with Knight Award
His Support of Scholastic Journalism Has Benefited High School Students and Educators
By Rebecca Dell
Columbia, Mo. (April 28, 2014) — Dean Mills, the dean of the Missouri School of Journalism, was awarded the 2014 Knight Award by the Missouri Interscholastic Press Association. The recognition was announced during April’s Scholastic Journalism Day on the University of Missouri campus.
The Knight Award is given in recognition of an influential person in scholastic journalism. The honor is named for former Missouri Journalism professor Robert Knight, MIPA director from 1966–92. He supported and expanded scholastic journalism and its resources across the nation.
Mills, set to retire next year after 25 years as dean of the School of Journalism, is leaving a legacy of providing journalism opportunities for high school students and educators.
The MIPA executive board cited Mills’ professional, personal and financial support of its scholastic journalism programs and workshops. As a result, high school students from around the state have been able to participate in summer media workshops and attend the Missouri School of Journalism.
“He’s always been extremely supportive, both financially and attending events around mid-Missouri,” said Anna Romero, executive director of MIPA and associate professor. “He’s always there. He’s always a visible face.”
And, Romero said, Mills allows her and another staff member to run MIPA at the School. He works behind the scenes to free faculty to support journalism education in high schools and beyond.
Updated: July 24, 2020