At the national convention of the College Media Association and Associated Collegiate Press Oct. 25-28 in Louisville, Kentucky, the website for the student newspaper, The Wichitan, was named a Pacemaker Finalist, recognition the publication has received only once before. The Pacemaker is one of two top awards given nationally and is given to only about a dozen schools nationwide each year.

Also at the conference, Justin Marquart, a junior in art, placed fourth in the national Associated Collegiate Press Design of the Year competition for newspaper page/spread.

"The Pacemaker is the association's preeminent award and is often called the Pulitzer Prize of collegiate journalism," said Laura Widmer, executive director. "ACP is honored to recognize the best of the best."

ACP received approximately 100 overall entries from colleges and universities. To select the finalists, respected professionals including professors and current digital media professionals analyzed each entry in categories based on student enrollment. The selected finalists represent 16 states and the District of Columbia.

"Today's best online sites are platforms for rich multimedia storytelling," said Gary Lundgren, associate director and coordinator of the Pacemaker competition. "Deep and diverse coverage with strong engagement and interactivity distinguish the best student-produced sites."

Contact Bradley Wilson at bradley.wilson@msutexas.edu or 940-397-4797 for more information