Riley Atkinson, a sophomore in the School of Journalism and Strategic Media, was featured on The Kelly Clarkson Show on Friday, Oct. 7, a year and a half after appearing on the show as a high school reporter.

The Kelly Clarkson Show aired Atkinson's broadcast journalism mentorship experience, which was offered following her initial appearance on the show in 2021, detailing Atkinson's time on set at the ACCESS Hollywood TV Studio with host Kit Hoover and her time at the University of Arkansas' School of Journalism and Strategic Media.

"My experience at ACCESS Hollywood and the Kelly Clarkson Show was absolutely incredible," Atkinson said. "I'm so grateful to everyone who made this possible, and I can't wait to continue my journalism and public relations career at the University of Arkansas and beyond."

As a high school reporter, Atkinson appeared on the Kelly Clarkson Show after she won the 2021 Kansas Student Journalist of the Year and 2021 Journalism Education Association's Journalist of the Year. Atkinson won the two awards after submitting a portfolio of her best work, including her reporting on the impact of COVID-19 on college towns, from her time at Shawnee Mission East in Prairie Village, Kan. During the show, Clarkson surprised Atkinson by offering a mentor, Ken Linder, who is the author of "Career Choreography" and a chance to spend a day at ACCESS Hollywood TV Studio. Due to Covid-19 precautions, Atkinson wasn't able to visit the ACCESS Hollywood set until this summer.

"I loved shadowing the anchors and producers at ACCESS because it gave me a glimpse into what broadcast jobs in the real world would look like on a day-to-day basis," Atkinson said. "As a student who's trying to figure out what area of journalism I want to go into, that was a huge help. They also gave me great advice, which will help me in my classes and while choosing a career."

Atkinson actively participates in the SJSM Student Media: she is an agency manager at Main Hill Media, a full-service student-run creative advertising agency at SJSM, a copy editor for the Razorback Yearbook and an anchor for the UATV entertainment show. She hopes to pursue a career in journalism or public relations after she graduates from the University of Arkansas.

About the School of Journalism and Strategic Media: The School of Journalism and Strategic Media is dedicated to excellence in teaching, research and media discourse. Students in our journalism degree programs receive instruction, guidance and access to hands-on experience from our seasoned, award-winning faculty and staff. Areas of study include news editorial and reporting, broadcast, public relations, advertising and digital media. @uarkjournalism