U of A System Staff Members Honored in 2023 National Federation of Press Women Contest

Fred Miller

This photo by Fred Miller illustrates an article he wrote about Emily McDermott, a U of A entomology professor, who researches native biting midges, commonly known as no-see-ums and seen here under a microscope. His article received Second Place in Specialty Articles — Science or Technology in the 2023 National Federation of Press Women's communications contest.

Two communications professionals working for the University of Arkansas System in Fayetteville were among those honored with national awards from the National Federation of Press Women in its 2023 communications contest. Winners were announced at a June 24 banquet during the annual federation convention in Cincinnati.

Fred Miller, a science editor and photographer for the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station, the research arm of the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture, received two national awards. From his office on the Milo J. Shult Agricultural Research and Extension Center, he provides communications services to the division's research programs on four university campuses, five research and extension centers and six research stations located around the state. After working for the U of A System Division of Agriculture for 25 years, Miller will retire at the end of July.

Miller won second place in Specialty Articles — Science or Technology for "Entomologist wants to know if invasive mosquitoes, native biting midges make good neighbors," and honorable mention in Specialty Articles — Green/Environmental for "Experiment station researcher in search of a more water efficient chicken."

Michelle Parks, director of communications for the Fay Jones School of Architecture and Design at the U of A, received one national award. She directs strategic communications for the Fay Jones School, including press releases, Newswire stories, the annual ReView alumni magazine and other print pieces, website content and social media — highlighting school initiatives and emphasizing the accomplishments of students, faculty, staff and alumni.

Parks won second place in Publication Regularly Edited by Entrant — Magazine/Magapaper for "ReView Magazine Spring/Summer 2022". Cassidy Flanagin, the Fay Jones School's creative services manager, designed the magazine, and Shawnya Meyers, formerly the school's digital media specialist, contributed content.

These national award-winning entries by Miller and Parks had previously placed first in the 2023 Communications Contest hosted by Arkansas Press Women. First-place winners in the APW contest were eligible to advance to the National Federation of Press Women competition if they were members of NFPW. National winners were then announced at the conclusion of the conference. The awards recognized work published or broadcast in the 2022 calendar year. This year, 49 Arkansas first-place entries competed at the national level.