USM’s Roy Howard Community Journalism Center preparing students for career in media storytelling

PINE BELT, Miss. (WDAM) - A new program at the University of Southern Mississippi is giving students the experience needed to become impactful storytellers.

The Roy Howard Community Journalism Center was launched at the beginning of the spring semester with 27 students.

Southern Miss grad Nichole Cyprian leads the program.

“They’re creating these stories,” Cyprian said. “They’re the ones who are researching the information. They are the ones who are getting the interviews and calls.”

The students cover 10 counties in South Mississippi, alongside experienced journalists like Morgan Gill.

“I’m also alongside the students helping coach them on shooting, editing, writing,” Gill said. “Anything they need, I’m here.”

The students recently launched their first series called, “Bill of Health.”

The series focuses on the potential effects of Medicaid expansion on local communities.

“There’s people who don’t have their stories told,” entertainment/media student Evan Baronich said. “There’s people who don’t see themselves reflected in the media and the news, so I think community journalism should be focused on those people.”

Baronich is the program’s strategic communication lead.

In his position, Baronich helps reporters stay up to date in the social media realm.

“Whether it was my speaking skills, my communication skills, all the marketing stuff I’ve learned,” Baronich said. “I’ll use all of it in my jobs in the future.”

In addition to jobs, the program also has internships for those looking for experience.

Students at other colleges and high schools are encouraged to apply HERE.

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