The College Media Association (CMA) awarded Student Media Coordinator Katie Baxter for her dedication to student press rights and influence on aspiring journalists. The award honors Baxter’s contributions to student media and her leadership.
Former student Alexander Greene, who nominated Baxter, shared, “Being mentored by someone who truly takes the time to learn their students’ ambitions and goals, as well as helping them craft their skillset, was so vital for my growth. I owe my passion for journalism and the communicative arts to Katie.”
Baxter expressed her gratitude, saying, “It’s so nice to be honored as an expert and a leader in your subject area. This award reminds me that what I do has not gone unnoticed.” Baxter added that advocating for First Amendment rights for student journalists drives her work. “I strive to ensure that students are able to practice their First Amendment rights and use their voice in a public forum like the Six Mile Post,” she said.
Baxter began her journey into journalism education with a bachelor’s degree in public and cultural communication from the University of South Florida in 2004. She taught high school English and journalism in Tampa, Florida, later joining Darlington School in Rome, Georgia, where she advised the Darlingtonian newspaper and Jabberwokk yearbook.
In 2022, Baxter earned a master’s degree in journalism education. She joined GHC as a part-time communications instructor in January 2023, becoming Student Media Coordinator in April 2024.
Colleague Professor Dutch praised Baxter’s dedication, noting her positive impact on student media at GHC. Through her work with the Six Mile Post, Baxter fosters an environment where students develop their skills as journalists, empowering them to use their voices.
Katie Baxter’s contributions inspire her students and elevate GHC’s journalism program, reminding the campus community of the power of mentorship and the importance of student press rights.
