Students tour the William Allen White School of Journalism and Mass Communications during the 2024 fall conference.

The University of Kansas will be packed with top-notch speakers when hundreds of journalism students gather on campus Sept. 24 for the Kansas Scholastic Press Association Fall Conference.

Editors and reporters who have made their mark in the state, as well as at The Washington Post and The Associated Press, will be featured. KSPA will offer a line-up of sessions led by all-star advisers, expert college journalism professors and professionals. Students can learn more about the college media experience with tours of the William Allen White School of Journalism and Mass Communications, and a panel of college students is ready to share everything you need to know about continuing your media experience in college.  Plus, you can hear from one of the winners of KSPA’s 2025 Courage in Journalism Award.

Find all the details about our fall conferences at this link.  Register to attend at this link.

A full schedule with times and room locations will be released before the event, but here are the planned speakers and sessions:

Planned KU Speakers & Presentations

HEATHER LAWRENZ is the Adobe expert for the KU School of Journalism. 

• Building a Better Infographic – Design Tips to Capture Readers — Learn how to transform data and information into eye-catching visuals that tell a clear story. In this session, you’ll explore design essentials — including style, typography, layout, color and imagery — that elevate your infographics from basic to professional. Discover how to make complex ideas easy to understand, while keeping your audience engaged. Whether for school projects, publications or social media, you’ll leave with practical tips and creative strategies to build stronger, more effective infographics.
• Illustrate Your Story: Photoshop Photo Composites — Bring your storytelling to life with powerful photo illustrations and composites. In this session, you’ll learn how to create strong editorial visuals that blend photography, illustration and design using Adobe Photoshop. Explore new features that make editing faster and more intuitive, while discovering best practices for building polished, professional-quality work. From technical tricks to creative approaches, you’ll gain the skills to craft compelling illustrations that enhance your journalism and capture your audience’s attention.
• Adobe Unlocked: What’s New & Next — Stay ahead of the curve with the latest updates in Illustrator, InDesign, Premiere Pro and Photoshop. This hands-on workshop highlights exciting new features designed to make your creative process faster, smarter and more dynamic. From advanced design tools to streamlined editing options, you’ll learn how to apply these updates to real-world journalism projects. Walk away with fresh skills, inspiration and the confidence to elevate your storytelling with Adobe’s newest innovations.

SHERMAN SMITH is the editor in chief of Kansas Reflector, which he founded in 2020. A three-time Kansas Press Association journalist of the year, he writes about things powerful people don’t want you to know.

• Nose down, butt up: How to find and write interesting stories — Want to be an investigative reporter? We’ll talk about building sources, finding leverage, speaking truth to power, and not being dull.

MORGAN SALISBURY is a sophomore at KU studying journalism. Before attending KU, he was an editor on the journalism staff at Lawrence High School. He and his peers were winners of the KSPA 2025 Courage in Student Journalism Award and finalists for the Student Press Law Center’s 2024 Courage in Student Journalism Award.

• Watchful eyes — AI is increasingly being used to monitor the work of students across the country. At Lawrence High, students sensed a new program raised serious First and Fourth Amendment issues, and they fought back. Learn more about how they advocated to get Gaggle off of their accounts with the help of the Student Press Law Center and why they are continuing to challenge the system in a federal lawsuit.

BECKY TATE has spent 35 years advising student journalists at Shawnee Mission North. Active in KSPA and NSPA leadership, she’s earned top national honors including JEA’s 2019 Yearbook Adviser of the Year. Outside the classroom, she’s happiest with a good book, a cold Diet Coke and anything Disney.

• The 3 W’s of theme — If you’ve already planned your theme, you’ll have a chance to see if you can explain the Why, Words and Wow — and if you are still searching for a theme, come learn about these 3Ws and why they are so important in your yearbook. We’ll look at lots of examples.

PATRICIA WEEMS GASTON joined the University of Kansas after a long, stellar career at The Washington Post, where she was an editor. Gaston also worked at the Dallas Morning News, where she was an assistant foreign editor and co-editor of the 1994 Pulitzer Prize-winning series on violence against women.

• Storytelling: All it takes is an idea — Students will learn how to generate story ideas, how to take the idea and see it grow into a potential story along with visuals, discuss how to interview sources and who you might talk to and why.
• Career advice: Find your passion and go for it! — Professor Patricia Weems Gaston began her career as a high school journalist. She took that knowledge, went to KU and became a Pulitzer Prize-winning editor. She offers a few tips on how to get the career you want.

LISA MCLENDON is associate dean for student success at the University of Kansas School of Journalism and teaches editing and writing classes. She arrived at KU in 2012 after spending 12 years as a newspaper copy editor in Wichita and Denton, Texas.

• AI basics for journalists — Generative AI is everywhere, but that doesn’t mean it’s appropriate for everything. We’ll talk about what AI actually does, where and how it can help journalists, and where journalists need to be cautious.
• Clean Your Copy — The goal: The best work you can publish. The gremlin: Sloppy mistakes. This session: How to recognize and fix common errors so your publication is polished and professional.

ERIC THOMAS has been a professional photojournalist, a journalism teacher, the executive director of KSPA, a columnist and a photography instructor. Most recently, for the Kansas Reflector website, Thomas earned first place in column writing among the largest publications in Kansas.

• Word by Word, Column by column — More than 100 columns later, I have a few insights on what it takes to constantly write your opinion for a news publication. As the weekly columnist for an award-winning non-profit news website, I’ve learned more about journalism than perhaps any other time in my life: finding topics, creating time to write, working with an editor. It has all demanded a discipline I didn’t know that I had. And I love it. 
• Freeze Frames — Student journalists at KU are photographers 24/7 when they are in my photo class. I ask them to use whatever cameras they have with them to document their daily lives. That means all kinds of candid moments are collected for an assignment that I call Freeze Frames. Come hear how you could use this approach for your publication — and how it can make great social media content too!
• Imagine Your Audience — Everyone gets a little treat at this session! (In addition to learning something new.) We will use chewing gum — and a lot of it — to talk about how brands reach their audiences. It’s a skill that students at the University of Kansas learn with precision and detail, especially when they study digital marketing communications. How can you imagine your audience in more vividly? Come find out. 

HEATHER SPRINGER, CJE, has been the adviser at Olathe South since 2018. Outside of advising, Springer is a professional photographer, a gym rat, a scuba diver and a mom to many adorable fur children.

• Streamline your photo workflow with Lightroom — From basic editing tools to using presets for consistent style, we’ll explore how to use Adobe Lightroom for the complete photo workflow. We’ll cover the basics of editing, how to batch edit photos to save time, and ensure work is publication-ready. 
• Be the Unicorn – 12 ways to become a better leader — Based on William Vanderbloemen’s book of the same name, we’ll look at 12 practical ways to become a better leader for your publication. Whether you’re a leader by title or just want to support others in your publication, the world can always use more unicorns!

KATHY HABIGER is in her 30th and final year of advising student publications at Mill Valley High School. She is currently the president of KSPA.

• KSPA Contests: A recipe for success — Interested in participating in the KSPA regional/state contests this year? Join us for tips on competing in our flagship contests. There’s a method to the madness, we promise!

GENELLE BELMAS teaches and researches media law at the University of Kansas J-School. She lives and breathes the First Amendment, and when she’s not thinking about free speech, she’s drinking coffee, knitting, and collecting index cards. #freespeechrocks

• Copyright, or Copywrong? Understanding the basics of fair use — How many times have you wondered whether you can use that picture you found online? Can you just create something using AI? Who owns that image? We’ll talk about how to address those questions and more — and how to protect your own work.

MEGAN MOSER is the executive editor of the combined Manhattan Mercury and News Radio KMAN newsroom in Manhattan, Kansas. She is a graduate of Kansas State University, where she was editor-in-chief of the Collegian newspaper. 

• The Day After — What TikTok and the Tabloids Can Teach Us About Continuing Coverage — We tend to focus on getting one big story, but what if the news is still developing? We’ll explore what merits a follow-up and how to make it compelling.

TUCKER LOVE advises the Heritage yearbook, The Patriot newspaper and photojournalism staffs at Shawnee Mission South High School. All three staffs have received local, state and national recognitions during his last seven years at SMS. Love enjoys design, writing and drinking black coffee.

• Culture Builders — Building culture is an ongoing, important process for any publications classroom. There’s no single way to build a good culture, but there are lots of things to think about. If you’re looking for ideas and new ways to improve your staff culture, this might be the session for you!

MAYA SMITH Maya Smith is a sophomore at the University of Kansas studying journalism and political science. While attending Lawrence High School, she earned 2024 Kansas Student Journalist of the Year. She currently is a freelance reporter for the Kansas Reflector. CUYLER DUNN is a student at KU and reporter for local news organizations including the Lawrence Times and Kansas Reflector. He is an alumnus of Lawrence High School, where he was named the 2022 KSPA Student Journalist of the Year. He worked for KSPA for two years as a student assistant.

• Building your Portfolio for Kansas Student Journalist of the Year — Looking to apply for Kansas Student Journalist of the Year? Learn some tips and tricks for building a portfolio from past winners that could help you with your own portfolio. 

STEVE ROTTINGHAUS is in his 11th year as the career and outreach coordinator for the KU School of Journalism and Mass Communications and teaches a class in professional development. He previously worked 20 years in the newspaper industry, primarily as a sportswriter and special sections editor

• The Places You Can Go in Journalism — Every organization is looking for great storytellers. Learn about the careers connected to the skills connected to your journalism background from traditional media to social media.

CHRIS HEADY advises the yearbook and newspaper at Shawnee Mission Northwest High School. His students have won state and national awards for writing, design and photography, including NSPA Pacemakers and Best of Show awards. Heady was a 2025 JEA Rising Star recipient.  

• Ingredients of Creativity — So you just finished making an entire yearbook last year from scratch, or just finished all your newspaper issues. How do you come up with something new and fresh? In this session, we’ll talk about how to come up with new, unique ideas and make the creative process work for you and your staff.

CAROL HOLSTEAD teaches visual storytelling and writing in the School of Journalism as the University of Kansas.

• Tips for using type and space in yearbook layout — Want to improve your placement of photos and use of typography in your yearbook layouts? This session will help you avoid the hot mess that can result from not designing with purpose. 

HEATHER HOLLINGSWORTH has been a reporter for The Associated Press for nearly 25 years, covering crime, courts, education, features and more. Before that she worked at The Topeka Capital-Journal. She loves kayaking in her free time. 

• Feature Writing: Interviewing and Quotes — A good feature story is only as good as the interviews. The session will highlight how to talk to people and use what they say to engage readers. 

JOHN HANNA has been a reporter for The Associated Press in Topeka since 1986. He’s a member of the Kansas Newspaper Hall of Fame. 

• Learning on (and about) the Fly — I had no idea that there was a fly that produced flesh-eating maggots that attacked mammals before an editor assigned me a story about efforts to stop it from reaching the U.S. and damaging American cattle herds. A lot of the joy of being a reporter is getting this kind of assignment and getting a crash course on a weird subject.
• You Have to Care About Details — A big part of reporting is noticing details. What is a person wearing? What gestures are they making? What is their tone of voice? What’s in the background? What color is the vehicle, and what kind of vehicle is it? Word choices matter.

KRISTY DEKAT is a member of the KSPA board and has been a journalism adviser for 25 years. She is the publications adviser at Gardner Edgerton High School where she advises the Trailblazer (yearbook) and The Blazer (online news). She strives to share her passion for journalism with her students. 

• Theme Development: Becoming a Stronger Designer — This session will focus on the details of designing your pages while making sure that your theme is driving the choices that you make in your design. We will discuss connecting the coverage, design and copy to the theme that you have selected. 

MICHELLE HUSS & RACHEL CHUSHUK advise publications in the Blue Valley school district in Johnson County, Kansas. Both Chushuk and Huss have almost 35 years of combined experience advising award-winning yearbooks, newspapers & websites. They are full of ideas and can problem solve with the best of them!

• Editors’ Round Table — As an editor of a publication, it can sometimes feel like you’re on an island and no one else “gets it.” Come meet editors from other schools to see what works for them, share ideas and get help if needed.

STEPHEN WOLGAST

Steve Wolgast worked in newsrooms for 19 years before making the move to higher education. After 10 years at K-State, where he was the adviser to the Kansas State Collegian, he moved to KU to become the Knight Chair in Audience and Community Engagement in News.

• Ethics of Photo Selection — How do you report the news when the photo shows an unpleasant scene? This session will show you how to use ethics to help you decide which photo is the right one.

BRENDAN PRAEGER is a KSPA board member who has advised award-winning publications at Wabaunsee High School and Manhattan High School. He currently teaches English at Rock Creek High School.

• Editorial Cartoons and Why Satire is More Important Now than Ever — Learn how to use editorial cartoons to comment on issues in a fun and effective way while bringing new students into your publication.

JEFF WURTZ is the host of the TVL Spotlight, a high school sports podcast in the Twin Valley League in Northeast Kansas.

• Sports Journalism in a New Era — From podcasting to website creation while keeping old school journalism at your roots.

OUR PANEL OF KU JOURNALISM STUDENTS includes Quinn Mozena, Advertising Club president; Ryn Drummond, Media Crossroads, producer and intern at WIBW; Gabe Carter, KU PRSSA president; Emily Harter, UDK editor; and Maya Smith, honors journalism student who has interned at the Eudora Times and freelanced for the Kansas Reflector

• Continue journalism in college — As high school journalists, you’re already journalists and media creators. How can you take that interest to the next level? KU journalism students will tell you about how they’ve continued to build their skills through their involvement in campus media, as part of campus organizations and with professional media.

LAURIE FOLSOM advises the live MVTV student broadcast at Mill Valley High, MV Studios as well as Audio/ Video Production. During 28 years advising, she has taught both broadcast and print journalism along with graphic design and photo at Free State and Leavenworth High. 

• Feedback is Fuel: Why Contests Lead to Stronger Student Journalism — Entering journalism contests can feel intimidating, but it’s one of the best ways for students to grow. This beginner-friendly session shows advisers and students how to take that first step, from choosing contests to submitting work with confidence. Learn why outside feedback matters, how it strengthens skills, and how contests can motivate young journalists to reach new levels. You’ll leave with practical tips, resources and inspiration to get started right away.
• From Classroom to Camera: Elevating Student Broadcasting — Learn how ASB Classroom, an online broadcast curriculum, equips advisers and students with the tools to produce professional, engaging content. This session highlights strategies to simplify instruction, spark creativity, and build real-world broadcast skills that elevate any high school program.
• From Stress to Success: Simplifying Grading While Building Student Ownership — Grading student journalism can feel like a game of whack-a-mole, with every student tackling something different at once. This session introduces a flexible system that makes assessment easier for advisers while giving students meaningful choice and ownership. You’ll leave with practical tools and strategies to boost engagement, reduce stress, and support authentic growth—all in a framework that works for both teachers and students.

SARAH CAVANAH is an assistant professor in the William Allen White School of Journalism and Mass Communications at the University of Kansas. She has worked for several scholastic media organizations and specializes in researching student media.

• Adviser Session: You Already Provide Business Education, Here’s How to Get Credit for It — For decades, every student publication and effort has been engaged in real world, experiential business, marketing and entrepreneurial education. In this session, learn how to better communicate to administration, parents, and others how participating in student media builds sought-after hard and soft business skills.