The Center for Community News at the University of Vermont has named Nina Brook to the CCN 2026 Faculty Champions cohort.
Brook, School of Journalism and Mass Communications senior instructor and scholastic media programs director, is one of 150 journalism leaders from colleges across the country recognized for efforts to start or expand university-led reporting programs in their region, and their contribution to a national movement of student-powered community reporting.
The honor came as a result of Brook's efforts to develop new partnerships with The Post and Courier Columbia and SCETV. Both partnerships provide students with the opportunity to learn from professional journalists and to produce their own local news stories.
“Our partnerships give our students the opportunity to produce news that’s published in professional media outlets for real audiences,” Brook said. “It’s an extra opportunity on top of our Capstone newsroom class that gives our students unique experience. In addition, the mission of the Center for Community News is one we heartily support — producing robust local news that communities need and want.”
Each honoree receives a $1,000 award, peer support and coaching throughout the year. Champions will work in dedicated cohorts that are organized around beats, communities and geographic regions. The cohorts will be led by program alumni with expertise in their focus area.
“At the core of all of these university-led student reporting programs are innovative and entrepreneurial faculty committed to student success,” said CCN Director Richard Watts. “These programs are a win-win for everyone: students gain high-impact experiences, and communities benefit from more reliable news. This program is a chance to thank the faculty who make it all possible.”
The SJMC partnership with The Post and Courier provides 10 students with an immersive experiential learning opportunity focused on the importance of unbiased journalism in society and to ensure that South Carolina residents are accurately informed.
Students in the Advanced Reporting Topics and Advanced Multi-Media Journalism class attend news meetings and pitch selected stories to members of the SCETV News team. Approved stories are aired on South Carolina Public Radio stations throughout the state. Read more about this partnership »
"We’re so proud of Nina and the work she’s doing," said Tom Reichert, dean of the College of Information and Communications. "Partnering with the best news organizations in the state enhances the student learning experience and takes it to the next level."