Missouri School of Journalism students celebrated as Mizzou 18 and Mizzou ‘39 honorees
By Sara Mearns
COLUMBIA, Mo. (Mar. 9, 2026) — Thirteen Missouri School of Journalism students were announced as Mizzou 18 and Mizzou ‘39 awardees on Wednesday evening during the annual reveal ceremony at the University of Missouri’s Traditions Plaza.
The Mizzou 18 and Mizzou ‘39 awards, established in 2005 by the Mizzou Alumni Association Student Board, strive to recognize senior and graduate students who demonstrate the core tenet of service practiced by Mizzou’s founding families in 1839.
“These students embody the public service mission at the heart of the School of Journalism,” said David Kurpius, dean of the School. “This honor reflects highly on their committed and interdisciplinary engagement at Mizzou, from community reporting and strategic communication to research and leadership.”
Of the 39 students selected as Mizzou ‘39 members, 11 seniors hailing from the School of Journalism received this undergraduate award for their “academic achievement, leadership and service” to the Mizzou community.
In addition, two of the 18 graduate students chosen as Mizzou 18 members are master’s students at the School of Journalism and were recognized for their “world-class research, collaboration with faculty and staff, and their demonstrated leadership with undergraduate students.”
Meet the students
Mizzou 18
Graduate student Anna Duffy came to the Missouri School of Journalism from Highlands Ranch, Colorado, to pursue a bachelor’s degree and study strategic communication. Six years later, Duffy is on track to receive her master’s degree from the J-School.
As an undergraduate student, Duffy worked as a Journalism Ambassador for the J-School and served as the Managing Director of Matchbook Marketing her senior year. During her years as a graduate student, Duffy honed in her strategic communication skills through her internship with Mizzou Athletics and as a Campus Red Bull Student Marketeer.
“The J-School is the reason I chose Mizzou six years ago, and it’s the reason I stayed for my master’s,” said Duffy. “The J-School taught me how to be a successful student and researcher, but it also taught me how to make lasting connections and build relationships. I believe wholeheartedly that the journalism school set me up for success on day one, and it will continue to play a role in my life post-graduation.”
After graduation, Duffy plans to move off and pursue a career in sports communications, using the knowledge she gained through her qualitative research on the social media strategies used in women’s basketball programs within the Southeastern Conference.
Duffy named Assistant Professor Nick Mathews her mentor.
Cayli Yanagida of Olympia, Washington, obtained her Bachelor of Journalism in May of 2025, and she is set to receive her Master of Arts through the J-School’s M.A. Program.
During her time as a J-School student, Yanagida worked for all five Missouri News Network outlets in some capacity. From serving as the editor-in-chief of culture periodical Vox Magazine, the senior digital producer for NBC-affiliate KOMU-TV, and the evening news anchor for NPR-member station KBIA-FM, Yanagida immersed herself in the Missouri Method.
“The Missouri School of Journalism has given me everything I could’ve hoped for,” said Yanagida. “I was not only able to work in real newsrooms creating news for the public, but I was also able to make so many lasting connections and friendships. Deciding to go to school at Mizzou to study journalism was the best decision I’ve made thus far.”
After receiving her master’s degree, Yangida will be moving to Springfield, Missouri, where she has worked for the past two summers in multiple journalism internships.
Yanagida credited Heather Isherwood, professor and editorial director of Vox Magazine, as her mentor.
Mizzou ‘39
Sara Kate Burnett came to the J-School from Memphis, Tennessee, to study photojournalism and documentary at the Murray Center for Documentary Journalism.
Throughout her time as a Mizzou tiger, Burnett was involved in campus and sorority life, serving as the New Member Experience Director of Kappa Kappa Gamma, a tour guide for Mizzou Tour Team, and a member of the Griffith’s Leadership Society through the Mizzou Alumni Association. In the J-School, Burnett worked as both a Journalism Ambassador and a visuals team member for the Columbia Missourian.
“For me, Mizzou ‘39 has been an opportunity to reflect on my time at Mizzou and to truly appreciate all the experiences that have shaped me into who I am,” said Burnett. “I am so grateful to have attended this amazing school and am humbled by this honor.”
Currently, Burnett is making connections and networking to help determine her first step down the journalism path, with the ultimate goal of pursuing a career in documentary journalism.
Burnett named Robert Greene, associate professor and filmmaker-in-chief at the Murray Center for Documentary Journalism, her mentor.
Ashley Dickey of St. Louis, Missouri, is studying cross platform editing and producing at the Missouri School of Journalism, fostering a passion for the producing side of broadcast journalism. She is also pursuing a second major in political science and a minor in German.
Dickey currently serves as the executive producer for KOMU-TV, along with working at (community newspaper) the Columbia Missourianand Vox Magazine, three of the five professional newsrooms offered at the J-School. Outside of her journalism-related experiences, Dickey conducted research through the College of Arts and Science, served as the former President of Fighting Pretty Mizzou, and involved herself in her sorority, Kappa Alpha Theta.
“It means so much to be recognized alongside so many inspiring and passionate peers who have devoted themselves to Mizzou,” said Dickey. “This university shaped me into who I am today by allowing me to pursue my passions and discover my career path. This recognition shows that my hard work to improve Mizzou’s campus community made an impact on those around me.”
After graduation, Dickey plans to work as a television news producer for a local or network news outlet.
She credited Seth Howes, associate professor of German at the College of Arts and Science, as her mentor.
Megan Dorr is a J-School senior from Cincinnati, Ohio, pursuing a Bachelor of Journalism with an emphasis in broadcast journalism.
Dorr has spent the last three years working for KOMU-TV as a sports reporter and anchor, news reporter, and producer, which allowed her to cover events such as the NFL Draft and Gator Bowl. She similarly co-hosted two radio shows at KCOU (a radio station owned by the Missouri Students Association) and served as a Journalism Ambassador for the J-School. Dorr was also involved with the Kappa Alpha Theta sorority, leading members as the vice president of panhellenic, and worked as a tutor at Mizzou’s Writing Center.
“I think this recognition is a reflection of how many opportunities Mizzou has provided me with,” said Dorr. “I am extremely grateful to receive this. The past recipients are so accomplished, and I am honored to be recognized with the same award as them.”
Dorr hopes to work as a sports reporter and anchor at a local television station following her graduation from the J-School.
Dorr named John Andersen, Professor and Leonard H. Goldenson Endowed Chair in Radio and Television Journalism, her mentor.
Tyson Ellison of Booneville, Missouri, is a senior studying sports broadcasting.
As a former Mizzou linebacker, many of Ellison’s J-School pursuits center around sports, such as his experience as the host and executive producer of the Tiger Kickoff Show and his work as a sports anchor and reporter for KOMU-TV. Ellison also served as the public relations chair for the Mizzou National Association of Black Journalists.
“I believe I have worked as hard as anyone could at this university,” said Ellison. “I have sacrificed weekends, vacations and relaxations for opportunities, internships and experience. It means everything to me that my choices have paid off, and that my name is attached to such a prestigious list at Mizzou.”
After graduating with his bachelor’s degree from the J-School, Ellison plans to stay at Mizzou to obtain his master’s through the Accelerated Master’s Program.
Ellison named Professor Amy Simons his mentor.
Ashley Gaccetta of Longmont, Colorado, began at the J-School as a broadcast student but switched her emphasis area to social media and audience strategy after finding a passion for the strategy behind storytelling.
Gaccetta describes herself as “growing up” in the KOMU-TV newsroom, serving as a senior digital producer, audience producer and sports anchor for the NBC-affiliate station during her time as an undergraduate. She also worked with Mizzou Athletics as both a strategic communication and social media intern, along with radio hosting for KCOU.
“It honestly meant more than I expected it to. I remember opening the letter and crying,” said Gaccetta. “For years, I’ve watched other students receive this recognition and thought about how talented and confident they were. I looked up to so many of them and admired the way they carried themselves as leaders at Mizzou. So to now be recognized in that same way feels incredibly humbling.”
Upon her graduation from the J-School, Gacceta is marrying her high school sweetheart, excited to build something new outside of the college atmosphere. Career-wise, Gaccetta is exploring opportunities in marketing, social media strategy and digital production, but said she is excited to see where life takes her.
Gaccetta credited Associate Professor Kathryn Lucchesi as her mentor.
Annie Goldman came to Mizzou from Silver Springs, Maryland, to obtain her bachelor’s degree from the J-School.
As an undergraduate student, Goldman worked as a local government reporter and assistant city editor for the Columbia Missourian, a Journalism Ambassador for the J-School and a MOVE and news editor for the Maneater. She similarly served as the recruitment team lead for Mizzou Tour Team, a member of Griffith’s Leadership Society and coordinator on the 2025 Homecoming Steering Committee.
“At past Mizzou ‘39 reveals, I’ve looked up to the recipients and been inspired to make the kind of impact they did,” said Goldman. “This award is an honor that I hope reflects not just my accomplishments, but the guidance of everyone that has contributed to my growth as a journalist and a person. I took a chance when I chose Mizzou, and this recognition is a reminder of everything that choice has made possible.”
Goldman plans to pursue a career as an investigative reporter upon graduation, focusing on local government coverage and accountability stories.
Goldman named Assistant Professor Gordon Dickson her mentor.
Kaiya Lynch is a senior from Kansas City, Missouri, studying strategic communication at the J-School.
Lynch involved herself in various strategic communication opportunties, such as working for Matchbook Marketing, serving as the public relations account manager for MOJO Ad and joining the American Advertising Fedeation. Outside of the J-School, Lynch involved herself with Tour Team, the Honors College, and NextGen Precision Health as the engagement coordinator.
“When I came to Mizzou at barely 17 years old—and already a junior in credits—I struggled to find my place on a campus that suddenly felt enormous,” said Lynch. “I was young, eager and determined to prove that I belonged here; but more than anything, I wanted to be a representation for others who came from atypical backgrounds. This recognition shows that I’ve accomplished my goal, and it means more to me than words can truly describe. I’m incredibly honored to have made an impact on the Mizzou community during my time here.”
After graduation, Lynch will be returing to Mizzou for the 2026-2027 school year to complet her Master of Arts in Strategic Communication thorugh the Accelerated M.A. Program.
Lynch credited Professor Jon Stemmle as her mentor.
Anthony “PJ” Pittman of Festus, Missouri, is a senior studying strategic communication at the J-School.
Throughout his time as a J-School student, Pittman worked with Matchbook Marketing, involved himself in the American Advertising Agency and founded the Personal Finance Club. His title as president of all three clubs during his senior year is the culmination of his dedication and effort to these organizations.
“I think to be named in this class of Mizzou ‘39 has really shown me and given me hope in what the university values,” said Pittman. “My GPA is not the best, but I know I have added value to the university. I am honored and have so much pride in this university. M-I-Z!”
When asked about his post-graduation plans, Pittman described that he plans to start [his] own company. In addition, this winter he spent time learning coding and said he may do something with AI.
Pittman named Associate Professor Tracy Draskler Brown his mentor.
Kathambari “Kat” Ramkumar came to the Missouri School of Journalism from Frisco, Texas, to study both the reporting and writing and [hotojournalism and documentary emphasis areas at the J-School.
At the J-School, Ramkumar worked for the Columbia Missourian and KBIA-FM as a state government and higher education reporter and as a news director for KCOU. Ramkumar has similarly interned with various news publications, such as the Kansas City Beacon and Ms. Magazine, and she currently holds a research assistant position with the J-School’s Reynolds Journalism Institute.
“Receiving this recognition means that all the effort I’ve poured into my academics and work experiences over the last few years has paid off,” said Ramkumar. “I spoke a lot about privilege in my application, and I am beyond grateful to have received a Mizzou education. I hope to use what I have available to give back to my community.”
Upon receiving her degree, Ramkumar plans to work in local, rural news for a few years before attending graduate school to study rural sociology.
Ramkumar named Associate Professor Tom Warhover her mentor.
Genevieve Smith, a senior from Flagstaff, Arizona, came to the J-School to pursue a Bachelor of Journalism with an emphasis in reporting and writing.
Smith has involved herself in the Columbia Missourian newsroom, working as both an education reporter and assistant city editor for the publication. Smith has similarly served as a Journalism Ambassador, a Potter Digital Ambassador and the former Managing Editor of the Maneater. Currently, Smith works as the assistant editor for the Boone County Journal, immersing herself in the world of local journalism.
“I’ve always thought Mizzou ‘39 was special because it recognizes our mentors alongside us — that was one of the reasons I applied,” said Smith. “I’m incredibly honored to receive this award, but I am more honored to be able to share this with someone who greatly deserves this recognition. My mentor has had a profound impact on my life, and this award is a thank you to her.”
Smith is moving to Minneapolis to work as the Product Management Intern at the Minnesota Star Tribune following her graduation from the J-School.
Smith named Elizabeth Stephens, associate professor and executive editor of the Columbia Missourian, her mentor.
Scout Hudson of St. Charles, Missouri, is a senior pursuing a bachelor’s degree at the J-School.
During her time as a J-School student, Hudson has served as the editor-in-chief of The Maneater and a reporter for both KBIA-FM and the Columbia Missourian. Through the J-School’s Global Programs office, Hudson had the opportunity to intern with POLITICO’sproduction and breaking news teams in Belgium and Brussels. Outside of the J-School, Hudson is a member of Friars Mortar Board, a Mizzou Secret Society.
“I am honored to be highlighted by my peers and the alumni as one of the many individuals working to make campus a more equitable space — a necessary task that I am sure will be continued by students of generations to come,” said Hudson.
Hudson is currently exploring post-graduation plans, with a specific interest in the intersection of accountability and service journalism, news product, and technology.
Hudson credited Connor Frew as her mentor.
Updated: March 9, 2026