U of A Journalism Student Recognized by Native American Journalists

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Lydia Fielder

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Lydia Fielder, a University of Arkansas Honors College junior majoring in journalism, has been chosen for a 2018 Native American Journalist Fellowship.

Fielder will travel to Miami this summer for reporting training. She is a member of the Cherokee Nation and is one of 10 students picked for the first-year fellowships, representing tribal communities and colleges across the nation.

``The personal mentorship of journalism professors has helped me seek opportunities like this one that will prepare me for my goal of becoming an international news correspondent,'' said Fielder, who is also minoring in Spanish and political science.

Fielder is a news anchor for UATV.

“She is a solid young reporter and a natural talent on air,'' said Robyn Starling Ledbetter, director of student media. ``As one of the main anchors of an Emmy-winning newscast produced by UATV, she has been consistent under pressure and reliable, important qualities for a journalist.’’

Bryan Pollard, president of the Native American Journalists Association, said the Bentonville High School graduate brings strong experience to the program.

“The fellowship will be a tremendous opportunity for her to meet and network with other Native journalism students and professionals,” Pollard said. “As a member of the University of Arkansas staff and a graduate student in the journalism program myself, I’m excited that the School of Journalism and Strategic Media will be well represented at this summer’s conference.’’

The National Native Media Conference will be July 18-22 and will include fellows chosen by the NAJA and the National Association of Hispanic Journalists.

 In addition to the honor, Fielder recently defended her undergraduate thesis project, a documentary investigating the dangers of international reporting for journalists' mental health. Her passion for international journalism was inspired by study abroad and service work in Greece, Israel and South Africa.

“Lydia is committed to ethical reporting, and this latest training complements her considerable experience at the University of Arkansas,'' said Tiffany King, the journalism faculty member who advised Fielder on her thesis project.