HAYS – The Fort Hays State University Department of Informatics recently participated in the Kansas Association of Broadcasters annual spring competition earning seven first place finishes, four seconds, and two honorable mentions. 

Digital media production and journalism students and their advisors will receive the awards in Lawrence on Tuesday, April 2. 

“It’s always great when our students are able to get the recognition they deserve, not only in competitions against other state institutions, but also across the nation,” said Nick Schwien, director of Tiger Media Network. 

“We pride ourselves on preparing students for the real world after graduation, and our students continue to excel with the hands-on learning approach we utilize. The students have been taking advantage of opportunities they are presented with to not only further their education, but also become desirable hires for future employers,” he said. 

Students from FHSU have a long history of competing in the KAB radio, television, news, sports and documentary categories. The historical momentum is bolstered by Hammond Hall’s state of the art facilities. 

“Seeing firsthand how much time and dedication these students put into their work, it isn’t at all surprising to see this amount of recognition. These are the kids who know they want to tell stories and make a difference in the world after they graduate, and they are well on their way to doing just that,” said Russell Heitmann, News and Sports director for TMN. 

Faculty advisors Dr. Ginger Loggins, assistant professor of informatics, and Ron Rohlf, assistant professor of informatics, coordinate contest submissions and student field trips. 

Among winning students were Gabe Warrick, Larned senior majoring in digital media production and journalism, and Paul Kirkwood, Garfield senior majoring in digital media production and journalism, received an honorable mention in Sportscast with “FHSU Football vs Northeastern State – 11/10/18.”