Colorado Mesa University Assistant Professor Laurena Davis has earned national recognition for her work in journalism education
Colorado Mesa University Assistant Professor of Mass Communication Laurena Davis, PhD, earned national recognition for building a curriculum with a newsroom-style approach.
Davis is one of 150 educators who were selected from around the country to represent their school for the 2026 Faculty Champion for the Center for Community News through the University of Vermont.
Earning the honor was competitive. Davis pitched her idea of redesigning her Advanced Media Writing and Reporting class to feel like a newsroom, with students focusing on one topic throughout the semester and working toward publication in professional media by the end of the school year.
Davis first heard about the opportunity through the nonprofit organization Colorado Evaluation and Action Lab, or CO Lab. CO Lab partners with state agencies to use data to improve social, education and child welfare policies. The organization also helps create opportunities and programs that support student success.
Since receiving the recognition, Davis has participated in trainings and meetings with other educators in the program, with the end goal being to connect student journalists with professional media during and following their university education.
“It’s really provided this camaraderie and networking with other people who are trying to do the same things I am,” said Davis. “I’ve always tried to get my students' work published, whether it’s in student media or professional media.”
Through the years, Davis has helped numerous students get published and find a passion for journalism. Before class was in session, Davis reached out to The Colorado Sun. Her students each selected a topic they were passionate about and pitched their idea to an editor for The Colorado Sun, shaping the course around the goal of getting their work published.
“They’re just a top-notch news organization in the state,” said Davis. “For that kind of outcome to happen for students, that is very gratifying for me.”
Davis will continue teaching the class through the end of the semester. She will also attend two national meetings for the Faculty Champions, one in New Orleans, Louisiana in August and another in Burlington, Vermont on the University of Vermont campus.
“Just to be around so many other like-minded peers who are really dedicated to getting that type of professional experience with undergrads is just so valuable,” stated Davis.
CMU’s Mass Communication program consists of experienced faculty and a plethora of opportunities for students to get involved in student media. The program allows students to become well-rounded in areas like photography, videography, public relations and journalism.
“I see it every day in my classroom, and I see these dedicated, hardworking students who hit the ground running when they get here,” Davis said. “To be able to let other people outside of CMU know the type of students that we have and see the quality of work that we’re doing, I think that is an amazing way to shine a spotlight on our talented students.”
Davis is one of many professors who has impacted the students in the Department of Languages, Literature and Mass Communication at CMU. With a national Faculty Champion award under Davis's belt, the program continues to get stronger and provide more opportunities and recognition for aspiring media undergraduate students.