Alumni
Family, heritage and service guide Cristina Rivera’s journey after Mizzou
By Caleb McDairmant Cristina Rivera, BJ ‘19, has built a career rooted in public service. Currently, she works for the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural Development agency, specializing in water and wastewater infrastructure programs. But before she was supporting rural communities in Puerto Rico and beyond, Rivera was a high school journalist from Edwardsville, Illinois, … Continued
Kat Lucchesi named 2025 Major Garrett Distinguished Faculty Fellow at Missouri School of Journalism
The Missouri School of Journalism has named Associate Professor Kathryn “Kat” Lucchesi the 2025 Major Garrett Distinguished Faculty Fellow, one of the prestigious Donald W. Reynolds Faculty Fellowships. This appointment underscores the School’s commitment to supporting faculty who exemplify excellence in teaching, research, and innovation. Lucchesi, who joined the School in 2019 and recently earned the university-wide Provost’s Teaching Award, … Continued
Missouri School of Journalism alum John Schreiber honored for LA wildfire coverage
John Schreiber covers the fast-moving, wind-driven “Mountain Fire” in Camarillo, California in November 2024, which burned nearly 20,000 acres and destroyed 243 structures. By Austin Fitzgerald COLUMBIA, Mo. (May 19, 2025) — At the age of 39, John Schreiber, MA ’11, doesn’t consider his career in photojournalism to contain a lifetime’s worth of accomplishments — … Continued
Missouri School of Journalism graduate Egan Ward doesn’t bury the lede
The reporter reflects on his time at the Missouri School of Journalism By Cary Littlejohn Contact: Cary Littlejohn, carylittlejohn@missouri.eduPhoto by Egan Ward Egan Ward wants to be a reporter. But not just any reporter. “I want to be one of the best,” he said. “I want a seat at the table.” Spend a few minutes with Ward … Continued
Nischelle Turner, acclaimed journalist and ‘Entertainment Tonight’ co-host, to deliver Missouri School of Journalism commencement address
By Austin Fitzgerald COLUMBIA, Mo. (May 7, 2025) — Nischelle Turner, BJ ’98, an award-winning journalist and co-host of “Entertainment Tonight,” will deliver the alumni address at the Missouri School of Journalism’s spring commencement ceremony on Sunday, May 18, at 9 a.m. “Nischelle’s talent and accomplishments as an engaging storyteller are an inspiration to students … Continued
Missouri School of Journalism to recognize 394 graduates at May 2025 Commencement Ceremony
Download the program for Commencement 2025 The Missouri School of Journalism will celebrate the achievements of its May and August graduates during its spring commencement ceremony at 9 a.m., Sunday, May 18, at Mizzou Arena. The event will recognize students receiving degrees in Bachelor of Journalism, Master of Arts, and Doctor of Philosophy programs. The ceremony is free … Continued
Full circle: Mizzou alumni Devan Foos inspires the next generation of storytellers
By Maggie Pelter Devan Foos, BJ ‘17, has built a career rooted in passion and purpose. Now a journalism teacher at Platte County High School and a freelance writer, she was recently named this year’s Rising Star by the Missouri Interscholastic Journalism Association — an award that highlights her commitment to education and the meaningful … Continued
Mizzou alumna and former television reporter to appear on ABC’s ‘Shark Tank’
Tomorrow, March 21, Paige Hansen will pitch her plant-based milk startup to the “sharks” during an episode of the business-themed reality television show By Sara Diedrich Contact: Sara Diedrich, 573-882-6217, diedrichs@missouri.edu Paige Hansen, BJ ’10, has always had an entrepreneurial spirit — even if she didn’t call it that at first. From running lemonade stands … Continued
Dennis Dodd, BJ ’80, retires after four decades of sports reporting
(L-R) Dennis Dodd, Jane Gordon, Greg Henry and Tom Shatel at graduation, May 10, 1980. By Austin Fitzgerald Dennis Dodd, BJ ’80, who has covered college and professional sports at CBS Sports for decades, announced his retirement today. Dodd’s remarkably consistent career has seen him cover sports for more than 40 years, and he has … Continued
From Mizzou to Arrowhead: Trevor Lerit, BJ ’24, joins the Chiefs Kingdom behind the scenes
By Caleb McDairmant After three years on Team Truman, Trevor Lerit, BJ ‘24, has started a new chapter as KC Wolf’s seasonal assistant, helping the Kansas City Chiefs deliver the iconic experience to fans and businesses alike. As Truman, Lerit gained valuable experience interacting with fans of all ages. He also learned the logistics of … Continued