Elizabeth Stephens selected as 2026 Kiplinger Fellow

By Emily Early

COLUMBIA, Mo. (Feb. 26, 2026) — Associate Professor Elizabeth Stephens was selected as a 2026 Kiplinger Fellow through Ohio University’s annual Kiplinger Program in Public Affairs Journalism.

Stephens, the executive editor of the Columbia Missourian — the Missouri School of Journalism’s community newspaper — will take part in the fellowship from May 11-14 alongside 32 representatives from newsrooms of various sizes. This year’s focus, “Saving Local News: A Practical Guide,” will guide discussion and speaker events.

“Elizabeth’s selection for this fellowship demonstrates that her leadership role extends beyond her position at the Columbia Missourian,” said David Kurpius, dean of the School of Journalism. “Her experience and experimentation in Columbia can help inform the broader industry about what collaborative, sustainable community journalism looks like in an era of rapid change and adaptation in the industry.”

Stephens noted that she is excited to represent the Missourian and looks forward to providing insight into the newspaper’s unique model — running through a university and incorporating students into the newsroom throughout their education.

“You know, just getting readers involved, making sure that you’re serving your community well, that they see the value of what you’re doing, I think that that’s really important to what we do here.”

Elizabeth Stephens

“Nobody’s going to do exactly what we do, but there’s pieces that can be replicated and shared, and so I think I bring that perspective to the table,” Stephens said.

Stephens recalled always having a passion for community news, and she considers this fellowship a branching-off point in her career where she is able to emphasize the importance of local coverage on a broader scale.

Kevin Smith, Executive Director of the Kiplinger Program, wrote in an email that Stephen’s application stood out because of the Missourian’s recent purchase of the Boone County Journal, adopting a weekly paper into a daily newsroom process.

“Her interest in our fellowship, Saving Local News: A Practical Guide, becomes two-fold,” Smith said. “Not only can she learn and come away with information that can help her in her role with both publications, but she can also share her insights and knowledge about such an arrangement with the other fellows. Everyone wins.”

Since the purchase of the Boone County Journal, Stephens has received gratitude from readers who have witnessed the difference strong local coverage makes. She recalled someone telling her they no longer have to attend school board meetings because they feel more knowledgeable about their community because of the Journal.

“When you talk about ‘save local news,’ a lot of it is going to be revenue-based,” Stephens said. “But you know, just getting readers involved, making sure that you’re serving your community well, that they see the value of what you’re doing, I think that that’s really important to what we do here.”

Hoping to take that message into the discussions at the fellowship, Stephens wants to help community news organizations discover practical solutions while gathering new ideas, perspectives and practices that she can share with her students and the Missourian.

Updated: February 26, 2026