Central State University’s Stanley Jefferson named 2025 Center for Community News Champion

Above: Marauder Land Media Group members recently interviewed Central State University President Dr. Morakinyo A.O. Kuti for their weekly newscast. Pictured are (from left) Aliyah Ferguson, Kameron Fisher, President Kuti, Samuel Miller, and advisor Stanley Jefferson. 

Stanley Jefferson, the TV Production Studio Manager at Central State University, has been honored as a 2025 Center for Community News (CCN) Champion by the University of Vermont. This prestigious national recognition acknowledges Jefferson’s leadership in fostering a partnership between news and academia and his commitment to preparing students for careers in broadcast journalism. 

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Jefferson is the founder and advisor of Marauder Land Media Group (MMG), a student organization established in 2023 that offers hands-on experience in the dynamic field of broadcast journalism. Open to students from all majors, MMG provides participants with opportunities to develop industry-specific skills, including anchoring, reporting, video editing, and production. Members also have the chance to connect with professional journalists, access state-of-the-art equipment at Central State’s Mass Communications Center, and produce content for Marauder Land News, a weekly student-run newscast covering campus, community, and national stories. 

Jefferson said he was surprised by the recognition, knowing that nominees came from much larger universities. However, he credited his supervisor, Charles Fox, General Manager at WCSU, for encouraging him to apply. 

“This award is a tremendous honor because it reflects the hard work I put in to support my students,” Jefferson noted. “Hearing from Marauder Land Media Group members that I’ve made a meaningful impact in their lives and helped them grow as leaders is incredibly rewarding. They are the future of the industry.” 

The CCN Champion Award recognizes Jefferson’s efforts to address the decline of local news by equipping students with the tools they need to serve their communities through journalism. As part of the program, he will receive a $1,000 award, mentorship from CCN, and networking opportunities with peers involved in similar initiatives. In turn, he will develop a project to enhance the impact of MMG, participate in mentorship sessions, and report on his progress. 

Fox said he was proud of Jefferson’s selection and hard work to uplift Marauders. 

“Stanley Jefferson's selection as winner in this national competition is not only a testament to his decade-long professional career as a news videographer, but a personal promise that he works hard to keep: ‘I want to give students the skills to work independently — on their own. I want them to be highly motivated and confident as they prepare to graduate,’” Fox said. 

“The motto he chants daily is, ‘Academics first, Marauder Media Group, second!’” 

In addition to the CCN Champion Award, Jefferson was voted by students as Advisor of the Year by the Inter-Organizational Council at Central State in 2024. 

With over a decade of experience in broadcast journalism, Jefferson has worked as a news photographer, video editor, and reporter in television markets across West Virginia, Georgia, Kentucky, Florida, Texas, and Ohio. A native of Lexington, Kentucky, he holds a bachelor’s degree in broadcast news from Western Kentucky University and a post-baccalaureate in entertainment and sports promotions from Northern Michigan University. 

Jefferson’s recognition as a CCN Champion highlights his dedication to student success and the vital role academic institutions play in strengthening community news. Through MMG, he continues to inspire and train the next generation of journalists, ensuring they are well-prepared to succeed in the ever-evolving media landscape.