ACP names top student news publications

Prestigious competition recognizes 18 Pacemakers as the “best of the best”

Nov. 7, 2026

KANSAS CITY, MO — Honoring the nation’s best, the Associated College Press named 18 student news publications as winners of its prestigious Pacemaker during an awards ceremony at the Fall National College Media Convention in Kansas City, Missouri.

“The Pacemaker is the association’s preeminent award,” executive director Laura Widmer said. “ACP is honored to recognize the best of the best.”

The prestigious Pacemaker recognizes overall excellence and distinguishes the top student media produced during a particular school year. The award started shortly after the association was founded in 1921 and is often regarded as the most-competitive, most-honored award in collegiate journalism.

In August, 34 newspapers/newsmagazines were named Pacemaker finalists. The finalists represented 17 states and the Philippines. California and Texas set the pace with six finalists each followed by North Carolina with three.

Three print issues produced during the 2025-26 school year were submitted for consideration. Two teams of three judges studied every entry, analyzing its strengths and weaknesses. At least two of the three judges agreed on whether a newspaper was eliminated or would be named a finalist or winner.

Newspapers/newsmagazines from four-year schools competed against schools with similar enrollment.

Newspapers/newsmagazines from two-year schools, of all enrollments, competed in a separate category.

“It is exciting to see how these colleges and universities are refining their print products in today’s college media ecosystem,” associate director Gary Lundgren said. “It is definitely a transitional time for the college student newspaper.”

In addition to demonstrating excellence in key areas including coverage, writing, editing, design and photography, the winning newspapers took risks and served as a strong voice for the student audience.

In this competition, only the print product was judged. Online sites compete in a separate Pacemaker competition.

Fall 2026 awards

Fall 2026 Pacemakers

Broadcast
Innovation
Magazine
Multiplatform
Newspaper/Newsmagazine

2026 Individual Awards

Story of the Year
Reporter of the Year
Multimedia Story of the Year
Design of the Year
Photo of the Year
Cartoon of the Year
Broadcast Story of the Year

Best of Show

Individual Recognition
Staff Recognition

Mustang News
California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
Editor-in-chief: Archana Pisupati
Advisers: Kim Bisheff, Pat Howe

The Union
El Camino College (CA)
Editor-in-chief: Nikki Yunker
Adviser: Stefanie Frith

The Daily Northwestern
Northwestern University (IL)
Editors-in-chief: Emily Lichty, Anavi Prakash
Adviser: Stacia Campbell

Indiana Daily Student
Indiana University
Editors-in-chief: Mia Hilkowitz, Andrew Miller
Adviser: Ruth Witmer

The Daily Iowan
University of Iowa
Editor-in-chief: Roxy Ekberg
Adviser: Jason Brummond

The Sunflower
Wichita State University (KS)
Editor-in-chief: Taliyah Winn
Adviser: Amy DeVault

Kentucky Kernel
University of Kentucky
Editor-in-chief: Giana Gallo
Advisers: Ryan Craig, Bryce McNeil, David Stephenson

College Heights Herald
Western Kentucky University
Editor-in-chief: Jake McMahon
Advisers: Chuck Clark, Carrie Pratt

The Tulane Hullabaloo
Tulane University (LA)
Editor-in-chief: Ian Faul
Adviser: Tel Bailliet

The Michigan Daily
University of Michigan
Editors-in-chief: Zachary Ajluni, Mary Corey, Edith Pendell, Zhane Yamin

The Daily Orange
Syracuse University (NY)
Editor-in-chief: Kendall Luther

The Pendulum
Elon University (NC)
Editor-in-chief: Sarah Moore
Adviser: Kelly Furnas

The Daily Tar Heel
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Editor-in-chief: Alli Pardue
Adviser: Will Lingo

Foghorn News
Del Mar College (TX)
Editor-in-chief: Layla Fonseca
Adviser: Robert Muilenburg

The Rice Thresher
Rice University (TX)
Editors-in-chief: Sarah Knowlton, Kathleen Ortiz
Adviser: Chris Evans

The Collegian
Tarrant County College (TX)
Editor-in-chief: Ash Petrie
Advisers: Lori Dann, Stacy Luecker, Chris Whitley

The Varsitarian
University of Santo Tomas (Philippines)
Editor-in-chief: Chalssea Echegoyen
Advisers: Felipe Salvosa II, Joselito Zulueta