2022 PSU Regional Conference

8:30-9 a.m.

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 in the Overman Student Center, 302 E Cleveland Ave, Pittsburg, KS 66762 on the campus of Pittsburg State University.

9:00-9:30 a.m.

Crimson & Gold Ballroom C 

Our local host, Josh Letner of Pittsburg State University, will welcome students and teachers to Pittsburg while providing an overview of the day and preview upcoming events on the KSPA calendar. 

9:30-10:15 a.m.

“Employed to Empowered: How Media Skills Pave the Way”

Crimson & Gold Ballroom C 

Deciding to pursue a media career doesn’t mean you’re destined for a career in the traditional media. Your skill set provides a wide array of entrepreneurial opportunities, and makes you attractive to corporations, non-profits, political campaigns, and community organizations. The key is to continue learning and recognize opportunities as they arise.

B.J. Harris:  Executive Director of the Kansas Shrine Bowl 

A 2005 graduate of Pittsburg State University, B.J. Harris began his career working for CAPS 13, Pitt State’s student Television station as well as KSEK radio. After graduation, Harris worked as the Sports Director of KADL 102.9 in Imperial, Nebraska, before moving back to Pittsburg. After returning to Southeast Kansas, Harris was Operations Manager at KKOW before leaving full-time radio in 2011. B.J. served as the voice of the Girard Trojans for 15 years and spent 10 years as the sideline reporter and color analyst for Pittsburg State University football. Along with his wife Leslie, B.J. owns Harris Media Services, LLC, a media company that specializes in live stream broadcasts of high school sports. B.J also promotes high school athletes in his full-time role as the Executive Director of the Kansas Shrine Bowl.

10:20–11 a.m.

“The Non-Writing Part of Journalism” 

Axe Library: Basement Presentation Area

Being a great writer doesn’t make you a great journalist. This session will share proven strategies beyond writing that will help you be successful in journalism — or a related field — now and in the future.

Andra Stefanoni: PSU Director of Media Relations

Andra Stefanoni started her 34-year career in journalism and communication in high school as a member of the student newspaper and a competitor in KSPA contests at Pittsburg State University. Now the director of media relations at PSU, she has been a reporter and editor at daily and weekly newspapers, a writer for regional and national magazines, a social media and web content manager, a communications specialist, and a journalism teacher. She has used what she learned in high school journalism every single day.

“Event Photography Workshop” 

           Crimson & Gold Ballroom C – Then outdoors (weather permitting) 

 Get real world shooting experience in a fast-paced event photography environment. Participants will learn about using the proper gear and processes to get the shots that set their photography apart from the crowd. Participants are welcome to bring their own cameras, cell phones or they can simply observe. Dress accordingly for the weather. 

Rion Huffman: PSU Department of Graphics & Imaging Technology

Rion Huffman is an international award-winning photographer and Associate Professor in the Graphics and Imaging Technologies department at Pittsburg State University. His passion is portrait photography, but he explores as many genres of photography as possible.

11:10–11:50 p.m.

“Working With the Tools You’ve Got”

Axe Library: Basement Presentation Area

Each school’s journalism program is built differently and has access to different resources. This session will help you tailor your content to the equipment and staff you have—be that 20 students and room of video cameras, two students and a cell phone, or anything between. 

Dr. Ken J. Ward:  PSU Department of Communication

Dr. Ken J. Ward joined the PSU Department of Communication in Fall of 2021. His background is in journalism, and his research focuses on the journalism history of the Great Plains and Rocky Mountains. Before earning his Ph.D. from Ohio University’s E.W. Scripps School of Journalism in 2018, Dr. Ward was a reporter for the McPherson Sentinel and a sports radio producer for 1410 KGSO in Wichita. His research has appeared in top academic journals including Journalism History, the Journal of Media Law and Ethics, and the Journal of Media Ethics. 

“The Inverted Pyramid Across Formats & Media” 

What’s the story Behind the Inverted Pyramid? Why do journalists still use it? And how does it apply to journalistic writing across multiple formats and media? We’ll discuss and apply the Inverted Pyramid both as a style, and an overarching philosophy for your writing.  

Josh Letner: Director of PSU Student Publications

 Josh Letner taught Advertising and Public relations courses in PSU’s Department of Communication before taking the reins of Student Publications at PSU.  Josh got his start as a general assignment reporter with the Joplin Globe. His first day on the job was May 23, 2011. The day before, an EF-5 tornado struck Joplin killing 161 people and destroying thousands of homes and businesses. Josh earned Missouri Press Association and Southern Newspaper Publishing Association awards for his coverage of the storm’s aftermath. He has also worked as a DJ, and sports producer for KSEK Radio, as a news writer for KOAM TV, and has extensive experience doing play-by-play of high school sports for a variety of outlets. He was also Editor-In-Chief and Sports Editor for the PSU Collegio during his time as a student.  

noon–12:40 p.m.

Lunch at campus dining options.