Students at Missouri State University recently celebrated a significant achievement. Their student-produced newscast, “Ozarks News Brief,” won a Mid-America Student Production Emmy. The award was presented to executive producer Makayla Strickland and their advisor, Dr. Leonard Horton, III, during a gala in St. Charles, Missouri, on October 25, 2025.
Makayla described the experience as overwhelming. “It was super rewarding and kind of unexpected for me,” she said, capturing the excitement of the moment. The gala brought a taste of celebrity life with its red carpet and photographers, making the evening feel even more special.
The Mid-America region includes various states, notably Missouri, Arkansas, and parts of Illinois, Iowa, and Louisiana. Strickland mentioned that winning represented something personal for everyone involved.
At the time of production, Strickland was a senior preparing to graduate in spring 2024. She was unsure of what to expect from her journalism capstone class, which ultimately became critical in launching “Ozarks News Brief.” Dr. Horton wanted to create a space where students could lead, stepping back to encourage their independence.
Thinking back, Makayla shared, “He approached me that first week and said he really trusted me to be the executive producer.” It was a pivotal moment for her, pushing her to sharpen her journalistic skills before graduation.
Dr. Horton noted that the project was both challenging and fulfilling. “Makayla played a huge role in keeping everyone on track,” he added. Winning the Emmy was a surprise but echoed the teamwork and leadership cultivated throughout the semester. He emphasized that awards aren’t the primary focus of his classes; they result from collaboration and mutual care.
This experience wasn’t just about winning; it also fostered growth. “I’m grateful for the amazing team,” Makayla said. “Even if we disagreed sometimes, we emerged as stronger, award-winning journalists.”
It’s worth noting that a survey published by the National Association of Broadcasters found that teamwork is crucial in media production. According to their 2025 report, 76% of media professionals believe collaboration enhances creativity and project outcomes.
The “Ozarks News Brief” team included various talented students, each contributing to the program’s success:
- Makayla Strickland – Executive Producer
- Alex Hill – Producer
- News Team: Rebecca Gardner, Megan McKinney, Jonathan McMurdo, Jamal McMurrin, Carly Randles, Madison Reece, Emma Robb, Courtney Skornia, Jeremiah Soria, Trey Swaggart, Jackson Wolff
- Nathan Hartzler – Technical Advisor
- Dr. Leonard B. Horton, III – Advisor
- Dr. Deborah Larson – CMJF Department Head
This accomplishment not only highlights the hard work of the students but also illustrates the power of mentorship in academic success. The Emmy award serves as a beacon of achievement, inspiring future students at Missouri State.
For more on the impact of student media in higher education, check out this report from the Pew Research Center.
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