Tennessee Tech journalism professor earns national college media adviser award
Tech Professor Brenda Wilson pictured with her “Distinguished Adviser Award” at the
2024 National College Media Convention in New Orleans, La.
A longtime faculty leader in Tennessee Tech University’s Department of Communication and
Media has been recognized among the top college media advisers in the nation.
Brenda Wilson, professor of journalism at Tech, took home the “Distinguished Adviser
Award” at the 2024 National College Media Convention in New Orleans, La., hosted jointly
by the Associated Collegiate Press and College Media Association.
The national award recognizes higher education faculty who have advised collegiate
media programs for more than five years and is the organization’s highest faculty
honor.
A two-time Tech graduate who has served the university for nearly 30 years, including
nearly 25 years of full-time faculty service, Wilson today advises the university’s
Eagle Yearbook, Eagle Eye Magazine and Public Relations Club.
Wilson says receiving the award was both an honor and a surprise.
“There are a lot of really hardworking media advisers out there,” she explained. “So,
it means a lot to be recognized.”
On Wilson’s watch, the university’s student-produced Eagle Eye Magazine has racked
up a long list of honors, including a first-place award for “overall excellence” at
the 2021 National Society for Collegiate Journalists contest. Likewise, the Eagle
Yearbook – which Wilson edited years earlier as a Tech student – has continued to
see renewed interest and acclaim following an eight-year printing hiatus in the early
2000s.
Wilson’s colleagues say her role in these successes is unmistakable.
"Dr. Wilson is a fantastic teacher and researcher. It is no surprise that she won
the Distinguished Adviser award,” said Scott Christen, interim chair of Tech’s Department
of Communication and Media. “I have worked with her for over 20 years, and her students
love her classes."
Still, Wilson is quick to pin credit for Tech’s student media accomplishments back
onto the students she advises and leads.
“It’s the student talent,” she said. “The adviser simply helps coordinate, encourage
and give feedback. I’m proud to be able to collaborate with these students who are
so creative and do such good work.”
While the Department of Communication and Media may not be among the biggest academic
units on Tech’s campus, Wilson explains that it punches above its weight in its commitment
to excellence and its sense of community.
“We really do care about our students, their wellbeing and their success,” added Wilson.
“We do a lot with what we have. We build strong relationships with our students, and
we try to respond to their individual goals and career aspirations.”
Wilson continued, “Our graduating seniors complete an exit survey each semester and
one of the common themes is that they like the community atmosphere. We’re a family
in the Department of Communication and Media. They are not just a number here.”
True to that familial description, Wilson can’t help but brag on her students’ achievements.
At the same convention where she accepted her award, Wilson notes that Tech student
Lilly Davis picked up a yearbook design award and Tech student Noah Mears picked up
a film award, while Tech’s Eagle Yearbook picked up a staff award in the “yearbook
best of show” category.
Eva Dingwall, the Department of Communication and Media’s longtime administrative
associate who is pursuing a communication studies degree, also earned a news reporting
award for a story published in The Oracle, Tech’s student newspaper. 
Tech students are pictured with their awards from the 2024 National College Media
Convention. Left photo: Tech student Noah Mears pictured with his film award. Middle photo: Tech yearbook students are pictured with their awards. From left: Alesya Prokopchuk,
Ryan Carrigan, Kate Liles, Makayla Martin, Lilly Davis, Madison Jackson and Elizabeth
Melton. Right photo: Tech student and administrative associate Eva Dingwall is pictured with her news reporting
award.
“I came away from the conference so impressed by the state of college media, and by
our own editors and staff members,” said Wilson. “We were excited to be there, and
that type of gathering always energizes us for the coming semester.”
While Wilson appreciates this latest recognition, she says the real trophy is found
in helping Tech students reach their goals.
“The most rewarding part is seeing students excel and making a positive impact on
them and their future,” she concluded. “That’s the best part – seeing their success.”