Over the last year, the University of Arkansas Student Media outlets and student employees have garnered significant acclaim and several prestigious awards at regional and national levels.
UATV, the student-produced television statement, recently won multiple regional Mid-America Emmy awards, including for serious news pieces such as a LEARNS Act update and coverage of a Palestine peace march.
The nationally-recognized Hill Magazine also garnered accolades, including second for the Best in Show awards at the 2024 Spring National College Media Conference in La Jolla, California.
The student-run advertising agency, Main Hill Media, came home with seven awards at the same conference, recognizing the nation’s top collegiate print, digital, video and audio advertisements. Main Hill Media was recognized as a top-five finalist in the Student Media Business Pacemaker category and received an honorable mention for its social media campaign and audience engagement event, Synergy Summit.
Station manager Riley Atkinson, who serves as the agency’s leader, support system and representation, said applying for these awards was a long yet gratifying process.
“That was just really exciting because before I was manager, Main Hill had never been recognized for any award, let alone a national award,” Atkinson said. “We were really excited to see the success not only in the big picture Pacemaker but also in the individual categories.”
They also received fourth place for media kit design and an honorable mention for video advertisement. Jules Yeary received 4th place for best graphic designer. Atkinson won first place for the Main Hill Media kit and fifth place for best advertising representative, also sharing a third-place award with photographer Sarah Wittenburg in the house ad category.
“I am thrilled that Riley and her team were recognized nationally,” said Robyn Ledbetter, director of Student Media. “She has worked hard to build an amazing team and is creating innovative programs for Main Hill.”
As a result of her efforts and the recognition the agency has received, Atkinson received the 2024 Student Affairs Student Employee of the Year. This award highlights her commitment and dedication to career, self-development, leadership and professionalism.
After nearly two years of serving as manager, Atkinson looks forward to continuing initiatives such as the agency’s blog and campus influencer.
“I will really be able to go full force into next year,” Atkinson said. “I feel like I’ve finally gotten a grasp for how all of our team works together, how the agency structure needs to be set up. Now that I have that base, I can really dive deep into innovative ideas for the agency, growing it in different ways and expanding.”
