Jenny Creech (right), president of the Columbia Scholastic Press Association, presents University of Mississippi journalism professor R.J. Morgan with this year's James F. Paschal Award at the association's annual awards luncheon in New York City. The award recognizes Morgan's work with the Mississippi Scholastic Press Association and his broader impact on scholastic journalism at both the state and national levels. Submitted photo
R.J. Morgan recognized with national James F. Paschal Award
The Columbia Scholastic Press Association has honored University of Mississippi journalism professor R.J. Morgan for his outstanding service to journalism education, including his leadership of the Mississippi Scholastic Press Association.
Morgan received the James F. Paschal Award on March 19 at the association’s annual awards luncheon in New York City. The award also recognizes his broader impact on scholastic journalism at both the state and national levels.
Larry Steinmetz, the Journalism Education Association state director for Kentucky, nominated Morgan for the award after working with him through national and regional journalism education initiatives, including presentations at major conventions.
“R.J. is someone who just gets it,” Steinmetz said. “From the very beginning, he understood how to build programs, support educators and make organizations stronger.
“What he’s done for scholastic journalism in Mississippi is remarkable, he’s helped turn it into a powerhouse while constantly finding new ways to connect and elevate advisers and students.”
Morgan serves on the Journalism Education Association certification committee and teaches certification courses for journalism educators, helping prepare teachers across the country for professional advancement. Colleagues nationwide frequently call on him to judge, consult and support journalism programs.
At Ole Miss, Morgan leads MSPA, where his work has transformed the organization into a stronger, more connected statewide network. He expanded the association’s reach through multiple annual conventions, educator training programs and partnerships that support both teachers and students.
“Scholastic journalism was the most impactful part of my own education,” he said. “It gave me a place to grow, to express myself and to take ownership of my work.
“Everything I’ve tried to do as a teacher and through MSPA has been about creating those same opportunities for students and supporting the educators who make that possible.”
Morgan has also strengthened the long-term sustainability of journalism education in Mississippi. Since becoming MSPA director, he has helped bolster the organization’s financial foundation, including building an endowment that funds professional development opportunities for teachers across the state.
Through initiatives such as the Overby Adviser Institute and expanded statewide programming, Morgan has built a strong sense of community among journalism educators, leading to increased national recognition for Mississippi teachers and programs.
“Dr. Morgan’s dedication and hard work for MSPA is a shining example of his commitment to the future of journalism,” said Bill Cassidy, chair of the Department of Journalism. “Through his efforts, he has provided high school students and instructors from across the state access to the resources here in the School of Journalism and New Media.
“This exposure serves as a powerful vehicle for students as they develop their skills, as well as for teachers who are given opportunities to expand their impact in educating tomorrow’s journalists.”
The Overby Center for Southern Journalism and Politics, which houses MSPA and supports its programming, plays a key role in advancing Morgan’s work alongside the journalism school.
“R.J.’s work with MSPA is incredibly valuable and nothing short of extraordinary,” said Tony Pederson, the center’s managing fellow. “The relationships he has built with high schools across Mississippi are vital – not only to the university, but to the mission of the Overby Center, which has long supported scholastic journalism in the state.”
Morgan’s impact on journalism education is rooted in a lifelong connection to the field. He began as a student journalist at Pearl High School, later worked as a section editor for The Reflector at Mississippi State University and served as a Starkville High School adviser before joining the Ole Miss faculty.
Besides his work with MSPA, Morgan founded the Integrated Marketing Communications Association, further expanding opportunities for students interested in media and communications fields.
For Morgan, the James F. Paschal Award ultimately reflects the enduring impact of journalism education.
“Learning is in the doing,” he said. “Journalism gives students ownership, responsibility and a voice.
“When you create those environments, whether in a classroom or across a state, you’re not just teaching journalism. You’re helping shape more thoughtful, engaged citizens.”
by MacKenzie Ross
About the Author
