About Us

Mission

Founded in 1947 and housed at the University of Mississippi, the Mississippi Scholastic Press Association exists to help student journalists across Mississippi strengthen their journalism and communication skills. We accomplish this by providing resources, hands-on learning opportunities and contests that challenge students to grow as storytellers and media professionals.

At MSPA, we believe student excellence is only possible with the guidance of dedicated advisers. We are committed to providing support for both students and their advisers through professional development and connection opportunities.

Membership

Only one membership per school is required to access all of MSPA’s benefits. Schools interested in joining can complete our membership form, and an invoice along with additional membership information will be sent shortly after. Annual membership dues are $150 per school, which includes:

1.  FREE entry for ALL publications in our annual Best of Mississippi student media contests (85+ categories!)
2. FREE JEA membership for ALL publication advisers (a $95 savings per teacher)
3. REDUCED registration rates at our annual fall and spring statewide conventions
4. Additional resources and program support

For more information, watch our membership video and share with other schools! 

Conventions

MSPA hosts two state-wide conventions each year. Our fall convention is held on the University of Southern Mississippi campus in Hattiesburg. Our spring convention takes place on the University of Mississippi campus in Oxford. These conventions provide students with opportunities to attend workshops and sessions designed to improve their publications and journalistic skills. Students learn from media professionals, educators and fellow student journalists from around the state. 

Contests

Each convention features two main contest categories: Best of Mississippi and Best of Show. 

The Best of MS contest consists of submissions from schools statewide and recognizes student work produced throughout the year. Entry deadlines are Sept. 15 for the fall convention and Feb. 15 for the spring convention. All submissions are sent off to judges who select one winner and four finalists in each category. Our Best of Show contests accept work produced after the Best of MS deadlines and costs $5 for each entry. Our convention awards ceremonies serve as a time to recognize the winners and finalists of each category and provide certificates recognizing their achievements. MSPA also recognizes those selected to be advisers of the year and our All Mississippi high school journalists, which requires a submitted portfolio. 

Overby Adviser Institute

Each year MSPA hosts the Overby Adviser Institute, where advisers from all over the state can come share ideas, learn from one another, and reflect on the year. OAI welcomes a new Adviser in Residence annually to lead professional development and discussions with advisers.

“I look at this conference as my life-saving, bucket-filling, energy-giving, must-have professional development!” -”Hi Times” Tupelo High School Newspaper Adviser, Shari Chumley.

 

MSPA STAFF

 

Executive Director R.J. Morgan

Dr. R.J. Morgan, MJE, is an instructional associate professor in the School of Journalism and New Media at the University of Mississippi and executive director of both the Mississippi Scholastic Press Association and Integrated Marketing Communication Association. He was managing fellow of the Overby Center for Southern Journalism and Politics from 2022-2024. A former high school educator and a finalist for Mississippi Teacher of the Year in 2011, Morgan serves on the national certification committee for the Journalism Education Association and as head of the Scholastic Division of the Association for Educators of Journalism and Mass Communication. He received the Elizabeth Dickey Distinguished Service Award from the Southern Interscholastic Press Association in 2018, earned master journalism educator status from JEA in 2020, and was honored with AEJMC’s Robert P. Knight Multicultural Recruitment Award in 2023. Morgan spent 16 years covering college sports for the Associated Press and has written pieces for Religion Unplugged, Sporting News magazine, the Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal and the Memphis Commercial Appeal. As a Bob Dylan scholar, Morgan teaches a class on “Bob Dylan and the South” at the University of Mississippi and is currently working on a related book project. Morgan has a Ph.D. in education leadership from the University of Mississippi and earned undergraduate and master’s degrees at Mississippi State University. He lives in Oxford, Miss. 

 

 

Student Director Veronica Flores 

Veronica Flores, from Olive Branch, MS, is an undergraduate student at the University of Mississippi pursuing a bachelor’s degree in journalism with a specialization in TV & Video Storytelling and a minor in English. 

She serves as the student director for the Mississippi Scholastic Press Association, where she manages social media, oversees communication, produces newsletters, and helps coordinate events and conventions. In addition to her work with MSPA, Veronica is a news anchor for NewsWatch Ole Miss, vice president of ambassadors for the School of Journalism and New Media, and a Talbert Fellow Scholar. 

Having once been a high school student a part of MSPA, Veronica has a passion for storytelling and hopes to encourage other young students to work in journalism. After graduation, Veronica plans to pursue a career as a news reporter and eventually become a news anchor – and maybe even someday MSPA director.

 

 

Student Employee Tyra Kole Walton

Tyra Kole Walton, a native of Sardis, MS, is an undergraduate student at the University of Mississippi, pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Integrated Marketing Communications. Her journey into the world of media began in her high school broadcasting program—an experience that first introduced her to the Mississippi Scholastic Press Association. Now, she is honored to give back and be a part of a continuous service to high school journalists and communication students across Mississippi. 

In her role as a student worker for MSPA, she assists in social media marketing, newsletter campaigns, designing, photography, and email communication. When she is not serving MSPA, Tyra balances her academics as a Sally McDonnell Barksdale Honors College scholar and Annexstad Family Foundation recipient, the social media chairman for the University of Mississippi Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA), and networking among other clubs across campus. After graduation, Tyra plans to pursue a career as a marketing communications designer, working in brand and digital media design.