Drake University student magazines Drake Mag and Drake Political Review extended their run as Associated Collegiate Press Pacemaker Awards finalists. Drake Mag, the university’s flagship general interest magazine, notched its 10th consecutive Pacemaker Finalist designation, winning six times during that run. Drake Political Review, the university’s politics magazine, grabbed its third Pacemaker Finalist award and will be chasing its first...
Category: School of Journalism and Mass Communication
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SJMC earns 16 individual Pinnacle Award finalists
Drake University student media earned 16 Individual Pinnacle Award finalist placements from the College Media Association. Best A&E Story: Reclaiming the Noise, Nicolas Jackson, Drake Mag Best A&E Story: Be Mime, Mary Boldinova, Urban Plains Best Breaking News Multimedia Coverage: Charlie Kirk Memorial, Sadie Jones, Eve Loehner, Times-Delphic Best Breaking News Story (print/web): Petition to...
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SJMC Names Professor Jennifer Glover Konfrst Associate Dean for 2026-27 Academic Year
Monday, February 23 – Drake University’s School of Journalism and Mass Communication announced today it has named Professor Jennifer Glover Konfrst, APR, associate dean of the school beginning with the 2026-27 academic year. “I’m looking forward to working with Professor Konfrst as she recruits new Bulldogs to Drake and ensures all SJMC students are able...
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Drake Student Wins First Place In Prestigious Pacemaker Awards
Recent Drake University graduate Cassandra Schoene was recognized as a national leader in Social Media Reporting in the Associated College Press’s annual Pacemaker Awards, one of the most prestigious national college media contests in the country. Schoene was awarded first place in Social Media Reporting for her six-part TikTok series for Urban Plains, the Drake...
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Drake University Appoints Kelly Bruhn Dean of the School of Journalism and Mass Communication
Drake University has promoted associate dean Dr. Kelly Bruhn, APR, to lead the School of Journalism and Mass Communication as its next dean. Bruhn will assume the role July 1, 2026, following the retirement of the current dean, Dr. Catherine M. Staub. Bruhn will serve as the ninth dean of the School of Journalism and...
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Drake Student Media Wins Big at College Media Association Awards
Drake University student media organizations set a new University record in this year’s College Media Association Pinnacle Awards, nabbing seven first place finishes, including Feature Magazine of the Year and Weekly Newspaper of the Year. “These wins are a testament to the excellent work Drake students produce on a regular basis,” said Catherine Staub, dean...
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SJMC Monday Memo – Aug. 25, 2025
Drake students, publications named Pinnacle finalists Congrats to Drake Mag, the TD, and Periphery for all being named Pinnacle Finalists, as well as congrats to all the individual finalists for the year. Winners will be announced at the CMA conference in October. Pinnacle Finalists: Big-Name Journalists Coming to IEC Conference at Drake The IEC Annual Conference is...
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Drake University’s Dr. Kelly Bruhn Inducted into PRSA College of Fellows
Dr. Kelly Bruhn, APR, Professor of Public Relations and Associate Dean of the Drake University School of Journalism and Mass Communication (SJMC), has been inducted into the prestigious Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) College of Fellows. This honor is reserved for the nation’s most esteemed public relations professionals. Bruhn is now one of only...
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School of Journalism and Mass Communication Dean Catherine Staub Announces Retirement
The following message, announcing Dean Catherine Staub‘s decision to step down as dean of the School of Journalism and Mass Communication, was sent from Provost Sue Mattison to the Drake University campus community on June 18, 2025. Dear faculty, staff, and students, I am writing to share that Dr. Catherine Staub, dean of the School of...
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Drake SJMC Students Secure Positions with Real Simple, Southern Living, Eating Well and more
Six Drake University students have been selected to serve as Dotdash Meredith apprentices for the 2025-2026 academic year. Assignments this year include editorial, social, and graphic design positions with Southern Living, Real Simple, Midwest Living, Eating Well, Parents, and BHG.com. Dotdash Meredith is the largest digital and print publisher in the country. Students are placed...