2018 Friends of Scholastic Journalism

Missouri Western State University professor Bob Bergland and Rep. Kevin Corlew have been named the 2017-18 Friends of Scholastic Journalism by the Missouri Journalism Education Association for their work in helping move the Missouri Cronkite New Voices Bill through the Missouri statehouse.

Nominator Mitch Eden had this to say about the two men:

I’d like to nominate Bob Bergland and Kevin Corlew for the MJEA Friend of Journalism Award. These two have spearheaded the efforts to pass the Missouri Cronkite New Voices Bill. I honestly cannot think of anything more important on a state level. 

It is crucial to have this legislation passed to protect the First Amendment rights of students and advisers. Bob has been the pinpoint person since the bill’s inception three years ago. He worked tirelessly with Frank LaMonte and Steve Liposad to write the Missouri version of the national legislation. I don’t even want to think of the hours he spent writing, re-writing, traveling and pushing this bill. He is the most important person in this process. He is knowledgeable, passionate and thoughtful every time he speaks about New Voices.

Rep. Kevin Corlew is the bill’s sponsor for the second consecutive year and is another passionate advocate for student press rights in Missouri. He has met with students and advisers multiple times to hear their concerns, revise the bill and make sure this is a priority. Rep. Corlew is adamant about getting this done this year.