Strategic Communication
Mizzou alumna blends skiing and storytelling into a career
From the Missouri School of Journalism to the world’s steepest slopes, Erin Spong’s journey shows how a Mizzou education can launch into an extraordinary, unconventional career March 17, 2026Contact: Eric StannPhotos courtesy Brooks Curran/Nordica The freedom that Erin Spong finds standing on top of a 10,000-foot mountain mirrors what she discovered at the University of … Continued
From journalism to jewelry: How a J-School grad turned her passion for storytelling into an award-winning accessories brand
By Helton Walker Stuck at home, uninspired during the pandemic, Clare Ngai-Howard, BJ’13, reignited her creativity through jewelry design, launching BonBonWhims – a bold, whimsical company built off of childhood nostalgia and Y2K aesthetics. Those turn of the century aesthetics are a reflection of Ngai-Howard’s childhood: rainbow colors, rhinestones and over-the-top designs. Growing up in … Continued
On-air storytelling created the perfect foundation for a Missouri grad’s entrepreneurial influence
By Helton Walker As a sports writer in high school, Jill Bauer, BJ ‘89, didn’t need an extensive college tour to know that the Missouri School of Journalism was exactly where she belonged. When she heard that Mizzou’s J-School was the best, she needed no further convincing to apply and ultimately commit. Bauer quickly fell … Continued
A Missouri School of Journalism alum enhances community through artistic expression
By Helton Walker Public art is a public good. Through the ages, the expression has had its ups and downs. To artist and Mizzou grad Adrienne Luther Johnson, BJ ’18, it’s a theme that has defined her career philosophy. “I’m not thinking about art as a means to an end. I’m thinking about art as … Continued
Switching lenses: A J-School grad’s venture into sustainable eyewear
By Helton Walker On any given day, you might find Maureen Ryza, BJ ’17, rifling through flea markets in Europe, finding and curating pairs of eyeglass frames to repurpose. She’s not styling celebrities or designing costumes for television anymore, but uses her storytelling skills to bring eyewear back to life through her self-founded company, AZYR … Continued
The countdown to a career at NASA: For one grad, it all began at the Missouri School of Journalism
By Helton Walker When you first meet Katherine Herrick, BJ ‘19, at her job, you might not expect the conversation to take place underground. With low-textured ceilings, pale stone walls, and even fluorescent lights added, it still more cave than an office building. The unusual environment, she explains, is actually a Federal Records Center for … Continued
From sideline reporter to the Mom Game Podcast: One J -School graduate adds perspective to sports podcasts
By Helton Walker Podcasts aren’t a niche anymore — 54% of American adults have listened to one in the past 12 months. And while more than half of listeners are women, fewer than twenty percent of sports podcasts are hosted by women. Enter Julie Dobbs, BJ ‘07. As a Missouri School of Journalism graduate, Dobbs … Continued
Lorraina Scolaro completes fourth study abroad experience, tied for most by a Mizzou student
By Jack Toal University of Missouri graduate student Lorraina Scolaro has become a global nomad, having now completed four programs through the J-School’s Global Programs — tying the unofficial record for the most study abroad experiences by a Mizzou J-School student. Her international coursework and internships have taken her across three continents, shaping both her … Continued
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 … Continued
Mizzou students work to support company’s quest to modernize cervical cancer care
Journalism students Ayesha Khan (left) and Josie Menley create content for Mission-Driven Tech, a health care technology company founded by Eve McDavid, BJ ’08. Public Relations Student Society of America members conduct research and create content for alumna’s medical technology company By Cary Littlejohn Contact: Cary Littlejohn, carylittlejohn@missouri.edu Photo courtesy of Emily Gerhart Sydney Brown didn’t just want to gain … Continued