Student Media Organizations Announce Leadership Teams For 2024-2025 Academic Year
Junior Kylia Berry in the studio at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.
Student media organizations at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, have announced their student leadership teams for the 2024-2025 academic year.
The incoming student leaders for Ablaze magazine, The Daily Beacon, Lumos Media Services and The Volunteer Channel (TVC) were recently selected following a very competitive process.
Meet the Student Media Leaders
Madelyn Stone, Ablaze Editor-in-Chief
Stone will serve as editor-in-chief of Ablaze during the 2024-25 academic year, continuing a role she currently holds. During her time as editor-in-chief, Stone has worked to continue the rebrand to Ablaze from Honey magazine.
“I am thrilled to serve as editor-in-chief for another year and am committed to further expanding Ablaze’s reach on campus,” Stone said.
In addition to working with Ablaze, Stone is involved and recognized within organizations in the Haslam College of Business. Stone currently serves as the social events chair for the Tennessee Association of Supply Chain and was recognized as a scholar of distinction in fall 2023.
Stone is a rising junior studying supply chain management with a concentration in business analytics.
Bella Hughes, Daily Beacon Editor-in-Chief
Hughes will serve as editor-in-chief for The Daily Beacon starting May 8 and continue through the 2024-25 academic year. She has been an editor with the Beacon since her freshman year—a rare feat among Beacon staff.
“Over the past three years I have seen The Daily Beacon transform into more than a student newspaper,” Hughes said. “Our outlet provides resources to students, connects alumni back to campus, and shares the hidden stories of Knoxville. I am so honored to be the next editor-in-chief and continue to share the hidden moments that make journalism and storytelling so special.”
Prior to this appointment, she has served as design editor (2021-22, 2022-23) and managing editor (2023-24) for the Beacon. In addition to working with the Beacon, Hughes is plugged into many facets of the UT community. Hughes currently serves on the Provost Student Advisory Council as a College of Communication and Information representative and is the diversity and inclusion chair for Alpha Kappa Psi-Zeta Lambda.
Hughes is a rising senior in the Tombras School of Advertising and Public Relations studying advertising with a minor in business.
Emma Johnston, Daily Beacon Managing Editor (Fall 2024)
Johnston will serve as managing editor of the Beacon starting May 8 and continuing through the fall semester. Johnston joined the Beacon staff her freshman year as a copy editor and staff writer. During the 2023-24 academic year, Johnston served as copy chief for the Beacon.
“I have had the privilege of being a part of The Daily Beacon since my freshman year, and I am thrilled to continue at our publication as managing editor next semester,” Johnston said. “I’ve witnessed the Beacon staff work harder than ever this year to publish factual, transparent, and engaging content for UT students and alumni, and I can’t wait to lead the Beacon alongside Bella Hughes in finding and telling the stories on UT’s campus that have yet to be told.”
Johnston also served as social media manager for the Social Media Strategy course in spring 2023 and was a deejay with WUTK-FM in spring 2022. Outside of UT, Johnston currently serves as content editor for various freelance projects.
Johnston is a rising senior studying journalism and media with a minor in advertising and public relations. She will graduate in December 2024.
Shelby Wright, Daily Beacon Managing Editor (Spring 2025)
Shelby Wright will serve as the managing editor for the Beacon starting in December and continuing through the spring semester. Wright joined the Beacon staff in fall 2023 as a copy editor and staff writer.
“I’m so excited to grow in this position and serve my UT community,” Wright said. “The Beacon is quite literally a light of hope in this world, and I will be dedicated to telling the stories that need to be told.”
Wright has also pursued other opportunities within the School of Journalism and Media, including a practicum with WUOT-FM during spring 2024 and studying abroad in Prague, Czech Republic, last summer. She is also involved with Sigma Phi Lambda, serving as an executive officer and chaplain since May 2023 and secretary from May 2022-May 2023.
Wright is a rising senior studying journalism and media with applied minors in music and theater.
Elle Hoytt, Lumos Media Services Executive Producer
Hoytt will serve as executive producer of Lumos Media Services during the 2024-25 academic year, continuing a role she currently holds. During her time as executive producer, Hoytt has built a team to continually meet the needs of a growing client list.
“I’m so excited to be part of the Lumos team,” Hoytt said. “Dreams do come true.”
In addition to working with the Lumos Media Services, Hoytt has worked on the staff of many films, including as a sound mixer/gaffer for Cheese Puffs in 2022, videographer/sound mixer for WUTK 6 O’Clock Swerve Live in 2023 and director for Horror Obscura, Lovely Sight and MOTH.
Hoytt is a rising senior studying cinema studies with a focus in editing, directing, and cinematography.
Grey MacNicoll, The Volunteer Channel Executive Producer
MacNicoll will serve as executive producer for TVC during the 2024-25 academic year. She has a passion for writing and storytelling and absolutely loves to work behind the camera
When she’s not in the studio or working on scripts, she is working at Howard H. Baker Jr. School for Public Policy and Public Affairs, playing ultimate frisbee with the UT Women’s Club team, or hanging out with her cat, Cowboy.
“It’s an honor to be chosen for this position, and I’m so excited to get involved,” MacNicoll said. “TVC has so many amazing and talented journalists that I cannot wait to work with. It’s going to be a fantastic year, I just know it.”
MacNicoll is a junior journalism and media major with a minor in global studies.
Kylia Berry, The Volunteer Channel Managing Editor
Berry will serve as managing editor for TVC during the 2024-25 academic year. She brings her two years of experience as an anchor, host, writer, videographer, and entertainment producer to the team.
“The Volunteer Channel has allowed me to gain hands-on experience from my very first year of college. I want to promote the opportunities at TVC for students to gain practical journalism experience,” Berry said. “As an editor, I plan to increase Vol News student involvement and retention and encourage students to come back, join the team, and expand their journalism skills outside of a traditional classroom.”
She has worked closely with The Volunteer Channel and the Beacon, creating content for both media outlets. As an East Tennessee native, Berry has developed a deep love for the Knoxville community and aspires to be a multimedia journalist in the city.
Berry is a junior journalism and media major, with a concentration in news.
Gracyn Thatcher, The Volunteer Channel Assistant Managing Editor
Thatcher will serve as assistant managing editor for TVC during the 2024-25 academic year. A dedicated journalism and media major, she aspires to become a news anchor, aiming to bring vital media coverage to communities.
“The Volunteer Channel has challenged and changed my reporting style for the better,” Thatcher said. “I’m confident it can influence others, fostering a collaborative atmosphere that engages with our Knoxville community.”
As a lifelong musician she plays cello and piano; she helped lead her youth orchestra for six years in Pittsburgh, ultimately performing at Carnegie Hall in New York City.
In high school, she was the senior editor of the student newspaper and was selected as the most school-spirited in her graduating class. With a strong work ethic and quick learning, she looks forward to guiding and inspiring her peers. Excited about enhancing her skills, she eagerly anticipates contributing to the growth of the Vol News team and channel.
Student Media Organizations Announce Leadership Teams For 2024-2025 Academic Year written by Hillary Tune and originally published on the College of Communication & Information site.