2022 WSU Fall Conference

We will not be distributing paper programs for this event, both to save paper and to give attendees the most up-to-date schedule of events. But come say hi before the opening remarks outside the ballroom of the Rhatigan Student Center, 1845 Fairmount St #56, Wichita, KS 67260 on the campus of Wichita State University.

KSPA executive director Eric Thomas will welcome students and teachers to the event in Beggs Ballroom on the third floor.

Following that, our keynote speaker, Jeff Herndon of KSN will showcase some of his recent work. 

Jeff Herndon joined KSN in September 2017 as Assistant News Director and evening anchor after serving 4 years as the main news anchor for the FOX affiliate in Chicago, WFLD. While in Chicago, Jeff co-anchored FOX Chicago’s political coverage of the 2014 Illinois Gubernatorial and 2015 Chicago Mayoral elections. He also co-anchored Fox Chicago’s coverage of the 2016 Presidential election. Jeff also served as field anchor for Fox Chicago’s coverage of the Chicago Cubs 2016 World Series Championship run.

Prior to Fox Chicago, Jeff served as main anchor for KAKE in Wichita, KS, and was lead co-anchor for KAKE’s live, continuous coverage of the BTK Serial Killer’s arrest, arraignment, and sentencing. Jeff is one of only two television journalists to interview BTK, Dennis Rader while incarcerated at the Sedgwick County Jail.

Jeff has been honored numerous times by the Kansas Association of Broadcasters for news reporting, and is a 4-time Heartland Chapter Emmy Winner. Jeff grew up in Haysville, Kansas and is thrilled to be back in his home state. In his spare time, Jeff enjoys an active lifestyle with his wife Stephanie and their kids Tyler, Tannah, and Laken.

“Reeling in Readers: Writing Leads that Hook the Audience“

Olive Room: RSC 261

Your first sentence creates the first impression. It’s the gateway, the lure, the reason someone keeps reading. In this interactive session, students will discuss what goes into a compelling lead, rewrite example leads, and work on improving their own leads — so students should bring their stories. 

Todd Vogts, Sterling College 

Todd R. Vogts is an assistant professor at Sterling College where he teaches news reporting and writing, along with a slate of multimedia, sports journalism, and public relations courses. He also does freelance reporting for community news outlets in central Kansas and writes for JEADigitalMedia.org. Previously, he spent 10 years as a high school journalism adviser.

“Capturing Sports Moments Big and Small”

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From high school games to the Super Bowl, Travis has spent decades turning sports moments into storytelling photos. Join him to look through some of those moments and break down what makes a great sports photo.

Travis Heying, The Wichita Eagle

Travis Heying has been a staff photographer at the Wichita Eagle since 1997. In addition photographing numerous news and sports events, he’s produced three documentary films.

“Fighting Misinformation One Fact at a Time “

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Whether the untruths are spread on purpose or unwittingly, misinformation is created as often (if not more than) and spread even faster than facts are. Learn strategies for fact checking and fighting the spread of misinformation.

Lindsay Smith & friends from the Sunflower staff, Wichita State University

Lindsay Smith is a senior studying communication/journalism at Wichita State University. After two years as editor-in-chief of The Sunflower, Wichita State’s student newspaper, she the newsletter editor while in her last semester before graduation. She was a summer reporting intern for the Wichita Eagle and is a current news intern at KMUW.

“Yearbook Design”

Beggs Ballroom: Third floor

Great content that is poorly packaged will be ignored. Poor content that is wonderfully packaged is nothing more than art. Translation: design is more than making things pretty; quality design is functional. Learn how design can help your amazing content be presented in an engaging way.

Travis Feil, Jostens

Travis Feil advised eight advised award-winning publications for eight years, serving on KSPA Executive Board in a variety of capacities. In 2012 he accepted a full-time independent sales representative position with Jostens and has earned numerous recognitions for his performance including the Leadership Award and Sustained Growth Award. He has also served multiple terms in an elected position on the Jostens Development Council and as a lead instructor for foundational training of new hires and Jostens University. When he’s not helping schools or mentoring other representatives, Feil relaxes by spending time with his family and bow hunting deer. In a former life, he was the lead singer in a band covering popular songs from the 1970s through current billboard hits.

“Work Smarter, Not Harder: Get the Job Done Fast in Premiere Pro”

Spencer Room: RSC 264

From workflow to shortcuts, the pros know how to make efficient use of their time. Come learn a few tips for cutting down your editing time.

Jessica Newman, Wichita State University

Jessica Newman is an instructor in the Elliott School of Communication at Wichita State University. Her focus is Journalism & Media Production and she also manages the Elliott School Gear Room. In addition to teaching, Jessica has worked professionally as a videographer for more than 10 years.

“Diversity: Know your Audience”

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Come discuss covering your Latino peers and stories that are important to them. And better yet, get them involved in your publications.

Claudia Amaro, Planeta Venus Online and AB&C Bilingual Resources

Claudia Yaujar-Amaro is the owner of AB&C Bilingual Resources, LLC and founder of Planeta Venus Online, a Spanish media outlet in Kansas. She has a background in advertising and broadcast journalism and is passionate about diversity and community engagement. 

“Advisers Meeting”

Come to hear all of the exciting ways that your students can participate in KSPA programming. Plus, we are here to listen: let us know how KSPA can better serve you. 

McKay Room: RSC 319

“Headlines and Captions: Everyone Reads Them, No One Wants to Write Them.”

Olive Room: RSC 261

Come learn strategies for writing these important and heavily read elements of any good story/photo.

Ian Tennant, Wichita State University

Ian Tennant is an assistant professor at the Elliott School of Communication. He teaches reporting and writing classes, as well as communication theory and history. Tennant is a former reporter, photographer and editor for weekly newspapers in Canada and England, and daily newspapers in Texas.

“What Makes a good photo”

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We’ll take a deep look into the artistic side of photography, looking at how composition and light help create photos that make your readers stop and study the image

Travis Heying, The Wichita Eagle

“Editors Only”

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Bring your ideas and your problems to this interactive session. We’ll talk through some of the challenges that come with the editor-in-chief job title, and we’ll share ideas and techniques for making the job a little easier.

Todd Vogts, Sterling College

Todd R. Vogts is an assistant professor at Sterling College where he teaches news reporting and writing, along with a slate of multimedia, sports journalism, and public relations courses. He also does freelance reporting for community news outlets in central Kansas and writes for JEADigitalMedia.org. Previously, he spent 10 years as a high school journalism adviser.

“Infographics: Show & Tell”

Beggs Ballroom: 3rd Floor

Whether it’s simple or complex, an infographic can help draw the reader in and explain the content in a quick and engaging way.

Jeff Welch, Wichita High School South

Jeff Welch advises the yearbook, newspaper and news website at Wichita High School South. He is the journalism department chair for the Wichita Public Schools and a long-time member of the KSPA board. In addition to teaching at South, he is also an adjunct instructor at Butler Community College.

“Audio Storytelling”

Spencer Room: RSC 264

Good reporting, writing and storytelling are at the heart of all good journalism, no matter the medium. Two reporters at KMUW, 89.1 will share about their experiences transitioning from print to radio and offer tips for quality audio storytelling.

Kylie Cameron & Daniel Caudill, KMUW

Kylie Cameron is a news reporter at KMUW, Wichita’s NPR station. Before KMUW, Cameron worked at a TV news station, and was editor of The Sunflower, Wichita State’s newspaper. She’s also been involved in student media since high school.

Daniel Caudill is a general assignment reporter for KMUW 89.1 FM, a public radio station licensed through Wichita State. Caudill, a former Sunflower reporter and editor, is primarily interested in reporting on government and labor.

“More Money, NO Problem: How to Make $$$ Creating Videos“

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Meet with adviser Spencer O’Daniel and four-year broadcasting veteran Lakin Zamorano and learn how you can create your own video creative agency in your school that makes money for your program, earns students scholarship money and plenty of amazing experiences along the way!

Spencer O’Daniel, Maize Career Academy

Spencer O’Daniel is a journalism adviser at the Maize Career Academy, a member of the KSPA Board, and a founding member of Wichita Area Journalism Educators. Recently named a JEA Distinguished Broadcast Adviser of the Year, his students have won nearly 500 awards including collegiate Photographer of the Year, Pacemakers, several All-Kansas publications and a 2017 KSPA 6A sweepstakes championship.

“Advisers Social Time”

Come visit with your fellow KSPA member advisers. There’s no agenda, but there is some food, coffee and tea! It’s time to gather and share stories from our classrooms.

McKay Room: RSC 319

“Focus on People”

Olive Room: RSC 261

No matter what publication you work for, events that happen each year such as homecoming, football, math class, etc. all need coverage. However, those stories can become stale and repetitive. Learn how to shift the focus of stories from events to people to engage your readers.

Julie Barker, Augusta High School

Julie Barker advises the Wings yearbook, Oriole newspaper Brick A Productions broadcast at Augusta High School. She also teaches 21st Century Journalism and Creative Writing. Barker is a JEA Certified Journalism Educator. She is passionate about student-run publications and seeing students grow.

“Breaking the Stigma with Mental Health Coverage”

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Mental health is talked about more openly than ever, but stigma still exists. In this session, you’ll learn about the Wichita Journalism Collaborative’s work on mental health coverage and discuss how we can cover these important topics in ways that help reduce stigma rather than making it worse.

Matthew Kelly & Amy DeVault, Wichita Journalism Collaborative

Matthew Kelly covers city and county government for the Wichita Eagle. Kelly is a 2020 graduate of Wichita State University where he worked for The Sunflower for four years, serving as editor-in-chief his junior year. 

Amy DeVault is a journalism instructor at Wichita State University where she advises The Sunflower newspaper. She is current president of Kansas Collegiate Media, a board member for National Scholastic Press Association and a longtime supporter of student media.

“The People You Will Meet”

Beggs Ballroom: Third Floor

Having a camera in your hand is an excuse to introduce yourself to anyone. And photographing someone is one of the most disarming and intimate acts that we do as human beings, let alone as journalists. Come hear the stories and see the photographs of the people that I have met over the years and how being a photographer changed how I thought about the world. 

Eric Thomas, KSPA Executive Director and University of Kansas

Eric Thomas is the executive director of the Kansas Scholastic Press Association and a lecturer at the University of Kansas. He teaches photojournalism and visual journalism, where his students produced a photography book about the pandemic and its effect on campus.

“Beyond High School Journalism “

Lucas Room: RSC 265

Getting ready to graduate, but not ready to leave yearbook or newspaper? You don’t have to. Whether or not you pursue jorunalism in college, you can work for your campus yearbook, newspaper or magazine. Come hear from a group of current and former Sunflower staff members about what it’s like to work for a campus publication. Other questions about college? These would be the people to ask!

Sunflower alumni & staff

“On-Camera Interviewing”

Spencer Room: RSC 264

Learn the basics and some pro tips for setting up and shooting an on-camera interview.

Kevin Hager, Wichita State University

Kevin Hager spent 15 years in television news as a videographer and newscast producer at KWCH-TV in Wichita before coming to WSU. In the Elliott School, he teaches television journalism, video production and sports production. He has continued to work on creative projects over the years and has multiple awards from the Kansas Association of Broadcasters and the Broadcast Education Association. His real claim to fame is the ability to name all 50 states in alphabetical order in less than 20 seconds.

“Interviewing for a Sports Feature”

Pike Room: RSC 266

A great interview lays the groundwork for a great story. Come practice in this hands-on session featuring a WSU athlete.

Joanna Chadwick, Derby High School

Joanna Chadwick is the journalism adviser at Derby High School and member of the Kansas Scholastic Press Association’s board She spent 20 years as a high school sportswriter at The Wichita Eagle, where she wrote stories, created videos and built a brand for VarsityKansas online and on social media.

“Advisers Social Time”

Come visit with your fellow KSPA member advisers. There’s no agenda, but there is some food, coffee and tea! It’s time to gather and share stories from our classrooms.

McKay Room: RSC 319

“Government Watchdog Reporting”

Olive Room: RSC 261

Want to know who is behind the laws that Kansas lawmakers pass? Or track how your lawmaker votes? Maybe dive into how legislators influence school curriculums? Come learn about legislative documents that can help you understand and report how power is wielded in Topeka, and how it impacts your school and your community.

Miranda Moore, The Wichita Beacon

Miranda Moore covers Kansas state government for The Kansas City Beacon and The Wichita Beacon. She was an investigative reporter for a Florida newspaper and interned at The Washington Post, 60 Minutes and BuzzFeed News. Before becoming a journalist, Miranda was a government paralegal in Washington, D.C. and was a Peace Corps volunteer in Uganda. Miranda graduated from the University of Missouri’s journalism school.

“Jeopardy — AP Style”

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Let’s review of AP Style basics and then test your knowledge to win fabulous prizes.

Eric Wilson, Wichita State University

Eric Wilson is a senior public relations and mass communication educator at Wichita State. He has spoken at dozens of professional communication conferences and is a self-proclaimed AP style nerd who cannot wait for the latest edition of the AP Stylebook to arrive. Eric got his start in communications as a middle school yearbook editor and photographer nearly 30 years ago and is a long-suffering Kansas City Royals fan. 

“Creating Personality with Typography”

Beggs Ballroom: Third floor

“Should I use this font? Or this font? Or this font?” Spend time in a student publications classroom and you will hear lots of confusion about what kind of font to use — and when. This presentation will teach you how to serve your reader with what they want: clear typography that also has a personality. This session is a great fit, regardless of whether you are a beginning designer or an experience InDesign expert. 

Eric Thomas, KSPA Executive Director and University of Kansas

Eric Thomas is the executive director of the Kansas Scholastic Press Association and a lecturer at the University of Kansas. He teaches photojournalism and visual journalism, where his students produced a photography book about the pandemic and its effect on campus.

“Check out the Elliott School of Communication & The Sunflower”

Spencer Room: RSC 264

Interested in The Elliott School at Wichita State? Tour the school, talk to faculty and students, ask questions and visit The Sunflower newsroom.

Kevin Hager, Lindsay Smith & Eli Maples

Kevin Hager spent 15 years in television news as a videographer and newscast producer at KWCH-TV in Wichita before coming to WSU. In the Elliott School, he teaches television journalism, video production and sports production. He has continued to work on creative projects over the years and has multiple awards from the Kansas Association of Broadcasters and the Broadcast Education Association. His real claim to fame is the ability to name all 50 states in alphabetical order in less than 20 seconds.

Lindsay Smith is a senior studying communication/journalism at Wichita State University. After two years as editor-in-chief of The Sunflower, Wichita State’s student newspaper, she the newsletter editor while in her last semester before graduation. She was a summer reporting intern for the Wichita Eagle and is a current news intern at KMUW.

Eli Maples is a senior at the Elliott School of Communication studying Communications: Electronic Media. He works in the ESC Gear Room and on its special projects. Eli also works in the operations department at KWCH 12News, Wichita’s local CBS affiliate.

“Opinions Matter”

Pike Room: RSC 266

Writing effective opinion columns and staff editorials is not easy, but done well, these pieces elevate the quality of your publication and your place as leaders in your schools.

Sharon Martin, Wichita High School East, Part II

Sharon Martin advised yearbook and newspaper staffs for 35 years in small schools as well as large schools. She retired four years ago from Wichita High School East but has returned to the advising position at East High for one more year.

“Advisers Social Time”

Come visit with your fellow KSPA member advisers. There’s no agenda, but there is some food, coffee and tea! It’s time to gather and share stories from our classrooms. 

McKay Room: Room 319