Associate Professor Julie Lewis Receives College Media Association’s 2025 Distinguished Adviser Award

Jean Norman, vice president of Member Support for the College Media Association, left, presents Associate Professor
Julie Lewis with a Distinguished Adviser Award during the College Media Association’s MediaFest Convention.

 

Julie Lewis, Ph.D., associate professor at the University of Central Missouri (UCM) and faculty adviser to The Muleskinner, has been named a recipient of the College Media Association’s (CMA) 2025 Distinguished Adviser Award. 

The honor was presented during the Fall 2025 National College Media Association’s MediaFest Convention, hosted Oct. 15-18 in Washington, D.C. The Distinguished Adviser Award is one of CMA’s most prestigious recognitions, and only nine advisors received the award in 2025.

“It’s such an honor to be recognized by the College Media Association,” Lewis said. “Advising student journalists is one of the most meaningful parts of my career. Our Muleskinner’s student journalists’ curiosity, creativity and commitment to telling important stories about our MuleNation inspire me every day.”

 

The award celebrates advisers with five or more years of experience who demonstrate exceptional leadership, mentorship and dedication to student media. Recipients are recognized nationally for advancing journalistic excellence, ethical reporting and student growth through education and experience.

 

“The Muleskinner staff is fortunate to work with such a dedicated and enthusiastic sponsor as Dr. Julie Lewis,” said David Pearce, executive director for Governmental Relations. “The Distinguished Adviser Award shows that Dr. Lewis is not afraid to challenge her students and encourage them to try new things. She brings an infectious attitude to the Muleskinner staff, who strive to excel in their craft. What a role model!”

 

Candidates are evaluated by a national review board composed of journalism faculty and students. Lewis was nominated by Muleskinner student staff members, followed by faculty endorsements and a comprehensive portfolio review. Through this rigorous process, Lewis was recognized as a top collegiate media adviser in the nation, representing UCM alongside advisors from private and Division I institutions.

 

“Dr. Lewis represents the very best of UCM’s commitment to experiential learning,” said Laurel Hogue, Ed.D., vice provost for Online and Learning Engagement. “Her work with The Muleskinner prepares students to enter the media industry with both skill and purpose.”

 

Earlier this year, Lewis received the Adviser of the Year Award from the Missouri College Media Association (MCMA) during its 2025 convention, which was hosted at UCM.

 

“Dr. Lewis has devoted her career to mentoring student journalists, and she is truly deserving of this award,” said Sadie Staker, editor-in-chief of The Muleskinner and vice president of MCMA. “Our team is lucky to have her, and we are incredibly grateful for her leadership, support and kindness. She has built us a culture of trust and excellence in our newsroom. She challenges us to think critically and tell stories that matter.”

 

Lewis’ recognition highlights UCM’s continued excellence in student media and the strength of its hands-on, student-centered journalism program.