FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – The Arkansas Alumni Association and the Office of Student Media are launching the first Student Media Lunch and Learn, focusing on the new and innovative programs in Student Media and kicking off the new Student Media Scholarship FundRazor.     

"The Future of Student Media" will begin at noon on Thursday, April 8. Registration for the event is available at the Arkansas Alumni Association website.   

The conversation will be led by Robyn Ledbetter, student media director, and Heidi Kirk, student media manager of strategic media and collaboration. It will feature alumni panelists Tevin Wooten, meteorologist at The Weather Channel, and Sue Walk Burnett, founder and president of Burnett Specialists and Choice Specialists. 

"I would not be where I am without my involvement in student media," said Wooten, who served as UATV station manager while a University of Arkansas journalism student. "It is time to get a scholarship launched to support these talented students. We want alumni to learn more about the student media experience and how this office pivoted during COVID and thrived. It is truly impressive."  

Alumni will be given an overview of current programs taking place in student media and the launch of a new scholarship fund aimed at supporting the student media editors and managers.

Following the panel discussion, attendees will participate in a real-time, responsive breakout Q and A session with current leaders of Student Media outlets: the Arkansas Traveler editor, KXUA station manager, UATV station manager, Hill Magazine editor, Main Hill Media Agency manager and Razorback Yearbook editor.  

"Student Media has truly pivoted during a time when the media industry took a big hit," Starling-Ledbetter said.  "This is a great opportunity for alumni and the community to hear about the impressive programs these talented students have launched and the new scholarship fund."   

Students, alumni, staff, faculty and the community are invited to join the conversation Thursday, April 8, at noon (CDT). The event is free, and registration is required.