Tech Journalism Professor Wins Media Award

Tennessee Tech Journalism Professor Brenda Wilson has been recognized for her dedication to advising students as the winner of the Distinguished Adviser Award.

The award granted by the 2024 National College Media Convention in New Orleans. It is the conference’s highest honor and is given to 12 of the top college media advisers nationwide who have advised for at least more than five years. Wilson advises the university’s Eagle Yearbook, Eagle Eye Magazine, and the Public Relations Club.

“Our student publications have won awards over the course of several years,” Wilson said. “And I think it’s the quality of the work the students produced. That has been recognized by the College Media Association for a long time now so it’s probably just a combination of those things.”

Wilson is the only adviser in the state of Tennessee to receive the award. Wilson said the most rewarding part about her job is seeing young students grow as journalists.

“I would say that is the most rewarding part of the job is to see the students be successful,” Wilson said. “So this adviser award is really just you know recognizing that advisers are supporting the students and the students are being successful.”

Wilson has served at Tennessee Tech for 30 years. Wilson said over the years she has learned that hard work, perseverance, and a positive attitude are all important for not only herself but her students as well.

“I think a supportive environment is essential for all of our success,” Wilson said. “So we provide that here. Our students refer to us as a family and we are happy that they feel that way. We are a small program so we do get to know our students and try to respond to their individual needs.”

Wilson said winning the award has been very humbling and is encouraging to keep working to help the students. Wilson said she wants to share the award with her colleagues as they have played a big part in her success.