ACP names ‘best of the best’

Pacemaker competition recognizes seven finalists for yearbook excellence

Feb. 4, 2026

MINNEAPOLIS — The nation’s top collegiate yearbooks were recognized today by Associated Collegiate Press, which announced seven finalists in its annual Pacemaker Awards competition.

The yearbooks will be honored and the Pacemaker winners announced during Saturday’s awards ceremony at the ACP Spring National College Media Conference, March 5-7, 2026, in San Francisco at the Hyatt Regency Embarcadero.

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

The ACP Pacemaker Award, one of the oldest awards for collegiate journalism, has a rich tradition. The association began presenting the prestigious award to collegiate newspapers soon after the organization was founded in 1921. Through the years, yearbooks, magazines and online sites were added to the competition.

“These yearbooks deliver engaging verbal and visual stories, showcasing superior photojournalism, writing and design,” said Gary Lundgren, associate director and coordinator of the Pacemaker competitions.

Yearbooks produced during the 2024-25 school year competed directly against each other. Of the seven finalists, three yearbooks will earn Pacemaker honors.

Three former Pacemaker-winning college yearbook editors served as judges — Chad Dillard, University of Arkansas; Rick Emerson, University of Alabama and Lori Keekley, Indiana University.

Please join us at the ACP Spring College Media Conference in San Francisco, March 5-7.

This conference provides a unique opportunity to network with industry professionals, learn from seasoned journalists, and gain valuable insights into the ever-evolving world of media and journalism.

Ouachitonian
Ouachita Baptist University
Arkadelphia, Arkansas
Editor-in-chief: Erin Key
Adviser: Deborah Root

Ibis
University of Miami
Coral Gables, Florida
Editor-in-chief: Jake Sperling
Adviser: Randy Stano

Michiganensian
University of Michigan
Ann Arbor, Michigan
Editor-in-chief: Mishal Charania

Agromeck
North Carolina State University
Raleigh, North Carolina
Editor-in-chief: Emma Scott
Adviser: Ray Black III

Baylor Roundup
Baylor University
Waco, Texas
Editor-in-chief: Mary-Ellen Abshire
Advisers: Doug Pils, Julie Reed

Aggieland
Texas A&M University
College Station, Texas
Editors-in-chief: Cara Hudson, Rachel Reyes
Adviser: Spencer O’Daniel

Calyx
Washington & Lee University
Lexington, Virginia
Editor-in-chief: Bella Hodge
Adviser: Laura Ulmer