The Battler Columns, the student-directed newspaper of Alderson Broaddus University, received a second-place award in the annual honors by the American Scholastic Press Association (ASPA).
One copy of each issue published from the 2019-20 academic year was submitted for review and judging. The Battler Columns scored 815 out of 1,000 points overall and earned a perfect score in the editing category.
The ASPA’s annual review and the contest for scholastic newspapers, yearbooks, and magazines compare student publications from colleges, universities, and high schools throughout the nation. Judges base their scores on page design, story layout, graphics, headlining, style, advertising, photography, content, creativity, and editing.
Under the advisement of Dr. John Davies, associate professor of communication and journalism, the Battler Columns was among thirty-seven high schools and colleges, alike, to be recipients of the Scholastic Newspaper Award 2019-2020 season. Universities from California, Florida, and New York were among the same category winners.
The College of Humanities and Social Sciences at Alderson Broaddus University offers majors in mass communication, journalism and professional writing, and public relations, with minors in creative writing and digital media. Each year, Alderson Broaddus students take on the roles of editor-in-chief, graphic editor, and reporters for the student-led newspaper.
“I’m proud of our students, and I’m grateful for this recognition of their ability,” said Davies. “It’s our students who make our program great at AB. They are a real credit to our program and the University.”
AB’s student newspaper regularly wins awards in the annual competition. This year was the second year the newspaper has won under the leadership of Davies, and plans are in the works to continue and further the publication’s success.
To learn more about Alderson Broaddus University’s academic programs, visit ab.edu.
About Alderson Broaddus University
Alderson Broaddus University is an independent institution of higher learning, committed to serving the region as an academic, cultural, and religious resource, with programs based on a liberal arts foundation.
The mission of AB is to provide students with the highest quality education, striving to prepare students to succeed in their chosen disciplines and to fulfill their roles in a diverse society as well-rounded and responsible citizens.
Since its founding in 1871, AB has been a leader and innovator in higher education, with accolades in the health and natural sciences. Alderson Broaddus University stands out as one of the most innovative health education providers in Appalachia, pioneering the nation’s first baccalaureate physician assistant program of its kind in 1968, a post-baccalaureate physician assistant master’s degree program in 1993, and West Virginia’s first baccalaureate nursing program in 1945.
AB is located on a historic hilltop in Barbour County in Philippi, West Virginia. The University is rooted in historic and continuing relationships with the American Baptist Churches in the U.S.A. and the West Virginia Baptist Convention.
For more information about AB, visit www.ab.edu.
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