Students Attend SPJ23 Journalism Convention in Las Vegas
Students traveled to Las Vegas in September to attend SPJ23 Journalism Convention. Pictured from left to right is Jack Foster, Peyton Gravell and Assistant Professor Michael Martinez
School of Journalism and Media senior Peyton Gravell has been a member of the Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ) student chapter at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville since her first semester on campus.
So, when Assistant Professor Michael Martinez sought students to attend the SPJ23 Journalism Convention this past September, it was an easy decision for Gravell, who serves as the chapter’s vice president.
Martinez said this past conference was the first time students from the university had the opportunity to attend. He led two students, Gravell and Jack Foster, School of Journalism and Media senior and president of the SPJ student chapter at UT, to Las Vegas for the convention.
“This was a great opportunity for Peyton and Jack to hear about journalists’ career paths and what it took for them to achieve their goals, but also learn how the national SPJ operates,” Martinez said.
He added the conference not only allowed attendees to hear from great speakers but also have access to recruiters. Martinez said he was able to connect with recruiters from E.W. Scripps’ Journalism Journey Initiative and Report for America, two resources for students seeking their first jobs after graduation.
Gravell said she was blown away by the organization and coordination that went into setting up such an event, adding it made her appreciate even more that she got to be an attendee. Of the various sessions and guest speakers there throughout the weekend, Gravell said the keynotes stood out to her the most.
One of the keynote speakers was award-winning journalist Lisa Guerrero who shared insights from her career as the first Latina sideline reporter for “Monday Night Football”. She is currently the chief investigative corresponded for Inside Edition.
Gravell said hearing her experience, especially as another woman aspiring to make it in the sports news industry, was inspiring. Gravell hopes to make a name for herself in sports reporting once she graduates in December and looks up to other females in the industry such as ESPN and SEC Network reporter and host Laura Rutledge whom she got to meet when SEC Network came to Rocky Top for the 2023 Tennessee vs. Texas A&M football game.
The other keynote speaker was Gio Benitez of Good Morning America Weekend Edition who also shared stories of how he got to where he is today.
“They were in a similar position to where I am now and look at them,” Gravell said. “So, it’s possible for me or anyone who works hard and has a passion for it.”
Gravell said she got exposed to the SPJ chapter through students she met at The Volunteer Channel (TVC). She added the chapter was just another connection for students who share a passion for journalism.
Gravell recommends any journalism student to consider joining, adding that the group meets once a month so the time commitment is manageable. She also encourages students to get involved with on campus media groups as well.
For more information about the student chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists at UT visit https://jem.utk.edu/student-experience/student-organizations.