Samford University’s Department of Communication and Media honored outstanding students during its annual spring awards ceremony, recognizing academic achievement, leadership and professional excellence across communication studies and journalism and mass communication tracks.
“It’s truly rewarding to recognize the success of these exceptional students,” said Ignatius Fosu, chair of the department. “They’ve given us every reason to be proud.”
Track and Program Awards
Remy Hoag was named Outstanding Advertising Track Student. Sydney Pulliam received the Outstanding Print Track Student award and was also honored with The Samford Crimson Student of the Year award. Sophie Cabrera earned dual recognition as the Excellence in Undergraduate Research Student and Outstanding Agency Student.
Haley Warren was named Outstanding Rhetorical Communication Student and also earned first place in the Public Speaking Tournament. Andrew McGinnis received the Outstanding COMS Minor Student award, and Michael Kolen was recognized as Outstanding Interpersonal Communication Student.
Jayla Duncan was honored as Outstanding Broadcast Track Student, and Rachel Starmer received the Outstanding Film Production Minor Student award. Frances Inabnet was named SNN Student of the Year.
Lily Kate Perkins was recognized as Outstanding Public Relations Track Student, and Zoe Scontras was named The Local Student of the Year. Meg Robinson received the Outstanding Sports Media Minor Student award and was also named JMC Student of the Year.
Lillie Dunn was honored as Outstanding Public Speaker. Madison Johnson received the Entre Nous Student of the Year award.
Senior Capstone Workshop Awards
Several senior capstone teams were recognized for excellence in research, creativity and impact.
- Best Theoretical Design: Megan Coffey, Grant Oden and Charles Bell
- Best Experiential Design: Carter Sandman, Milly Criswell and AJ Johnson
- Best Workbook Design: Sarah Tapscott, Jack Freeman and Mary Reed Christiansen
- Most Comprehensive: Josie Pettit, Moriah Lynch and Grace Robinson
- Most Creative (tie): Eli Wildman, Cody Heinrich and Molly Snow; Sara Kate Murray, Anna Harpring and Cianna Cesare
- Resilience Award (tie): Bridget Shaugnessey, Sydney Latta and Teddy Davenport; Kelsey Lundgaard, Dorsey Parker and Joe Wortman
- Perseverance Award (tie): Harper Dupree, Conner Pace and Emory Gardner; Aidan Cecil, Ava Carson and Drew Savage
Public Speaking Tournament Awards
- First Place: Haley Warren
- Second Place: Skylar Iverson
- Third Place: Mary Russell Wood
Scholastic Awards
The department also recognized academic excellence through its annual scholastic awards.
Communication Studies
- Outstanding Freshman: Bella Vincent
- Outstanding Sophomore: Annabeth Townsend
- Outstanding Junior: Anabelle McDonald
- Outstanding Senior: Eli Wildman
Journalism and Mass Communication
- Outstanding Freshmen: Julia Haller and Charis Williams
- Outstanding Sophomore: Ella Grayce Smith
- Outstanding Juniors: Annabel Turner and Rilla Haverdink
- Outstanding Senior: Sophie Cabrera
Student of the Year Awards
Milly Criswell was named Communication Studies Student of the Year. Meg Robinson received the JMC Student of the Year award.
Harold & Jean Martin Writing Awards
The department also celebrated top student writers in broadcast and print/digital categories.
Broadcast
- First Place: Frances Inabnet
- Second Place: Tanna Spence
Print/Digital
- First Place: Jordyn Davis
- Second Place: Liza Coffin
- Third Place: Hanna Allen
- Honorable Mention: Kate Seaver and Madison Frey
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