By Kenna Clancy
Associate Professor of Journalism Leigh Wright was named 2025 Emerging Adviser of the Year at the 2025 Pinnacle awards. Wright, who began advising the Murray State News in the fall of 2023, was recognized by the College Media Association. The award, which requires letters of support and a nomination, recognizes advisers with less than five years experience in the role.
Wright has taught journalism at Murray State since 2011, and previously worked in a variety of roles at The Paducah Sun for 16 years. She holds both bachelors and masters degrees from Murray State. Under Wright’s leadership, The Murray State News won three Pinnacle awards in 2024, and doubled that number in 2025. The News continues to compete and win on a national level. The Pinnacle awards are the College Media Association’s flagship national honors, recognizing work in collegiate journalism, media production and organizational excellence. It features 16 categories and winners are selected by a panel of experienced media professionals and educators.
