Dr. Paul Miller Named Faculty Champion for Community News

Central Penn College is proud to announce that Dr. Paul Miller, Assistant Professor of Media Studies, has been selected as one of 150 national journalism leaders for the Center for Community News (CCN) 2026 Class of Faculty Champions.

This prestigious recognition from the University of Vermont-based organization highlights Dr. Miller’s commitment to expanding student-powered community reporting and reinforces Central Penn College’s reputation as a leader in innovative Communications and Digital Marketing education.

Strengthening Local News through Student-Powered Journalism

As the landscape of local media evolves, Central Penn College is at the forefront of the national movement to revitalize local news. The Faculty Champions program recognizes educators who bridge the gap between the classroom and the community by creating robust, university-led reporting programs.

Dr. Miller joins an elite cohort of 150 faculty members representing 41 states. This year’s class is a diverse group of leaders from across the academic spectrum.

“At the core of all of these university-led student reporting programs are innovative and entrepreneurial faculty committed to student success,” said Richard Watts, Director of the CCN. “These programs are a win-win for everyone: students receive high-impact experiences and communities benefit from more reliable news.”

Why This Matters for Central Penn College Students

For students enrolled in the Communications degree programs at Central Penn College, this recognition translates to enhanced opportunities and industry-leading mentorship.

As a Faculty Champion, Dr. Miller will receive peer support, professional coaching, and access to dedicated cohorts organized by geographic regions and reporting beats. This network allows Central Penn to integrate national best practices into our local curriculum, ensuring our students are prepared for the “entrepreneurial” side of modern journalism.

A Commitment to Civic Leadership

The Center for Community News is the only organization in the country dedicated to growing the field of student-powered community reporting. By participating in this national network of over 4,000 faculty and news leaders, Central Penn College is helping to forge a sustainable future for local news outlets while training the next generation of civic leaders.

Explore an Education in Communications at Central Penn College

Are you ready to become a voice for your community? Central Penn College’s Communications programs offer the hands-on training and expert faculty mentorship needed to thrive in today’s media environment.

To read more about the Faculty Champions program and the future of local news, visit the Center for Community News at the University of Vermont.