2026 BEA OL

When it launched in 1942 as the first journalism program at an Historically Black College, Lincoln University's School of Journalism in Jefferson City not only engaged students working at The Clarion, the student newspaper started in the 1930s, but also hosted high school journalism conferences and a national awards program. With fewer than 30 students, the school was established in the era of segregation. Today, even with a small enrollment, the program continues to expand and evolve with a new broadcast facility scheduled to open in 2026. This session showcases both the rich history and the present of the Lincoln University Journalism program. Media historian George Daniels shares what he's learned researching the history of the j-school and its graduates. Will Sites, the only full-time faculty member in the Lincoln University program shares how he's maintained high standards of journalism while looking for ways to introduce cutting edge technologies into his teaching, which has expanded to the local Jefferson City Correctional Center. Students in the prison education program are now contributing news content to The Clarion's website.