News & Analysis
New Awards Laud Integrity in Reporting
The Center for Integrity in News Reporting distributed its first awards May 14 at the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C. The center was established through the leadership of Walter E. Hussman Jr., longtime publisher of the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette.
MSPA Successfully Hosts Largest Post-Pandemic Convention
More than 450 high-school journalists gathered at the University of Mississippi on April 2 to celebrate achievements and learn from both peers and professionals.
Q&A with Julie Anderson
The editor-in-chief of the South Florida Sun Sentinel in Fort Lauderdale shares her insights on leading a major Southern newspaper and the evolving media landscape.
McHam Students Recall His Teaching and Influence
The following is a collection of quotes and anecdotes from students of David McHam. For 54 years at four Texas universities, David McHam hammered into students’ heads lessons in succeeding in journalism.
Overby Center hosts Great Conversations luncheon
Listen to the audio of the Great Conversations luncheon with Dean Slabach. The Overby Center hosted the Great Conversations luncheon with students, faculty, and invited guests.
The McHam Experience Changed Journalism And the Lives of Countless Journalists
For 54 years at four Texas universities, David McHam hammered into students’ heads lessons in succeeding in journalism. His teaching created a cult-like following among his students and gave them a head start on a career, primarily in print journalism.
New Criswell biography offers praise for spiritual leadership, but is candid about flaws
Few people were more influential in Dallas in the last half of the 20th Century than the Rev. Dr. W.A. Criswell. As pastor of First Baptist Church Dallas from 1944 until 1994, he was among pioneers of the megachurch concept, served as president of the Southern Baptist Convention, and was a leader in the conservative shift of Southern Baptists, both theologically and politically.
Recap of Overby Event 2/27
In a jointly-sponsored program by the Lott Leadership Institute and the Overby Center for Southern Journalism and Politics, General Wesley K. Clark, former Senate Majority Leader Trent Lott, and Overby Center chairman Charles Overby joined in a discussion on Feb. 27 in the Overby Auditorium.
Photo Gallery – “Renewing America Together” Panel
View the photo gallery of the "Renewing America, Renewing Hope" panel. In a jointly-sponsored program by the Lott Leadership Institute and the Overby Center for Southern Journalism and Politics, General Wesley K. Clark, former Senate Majority Leader Trent Lott, and Overby Center chairman Charles Overby joined in a discussion on Feb. 27 in the Overby Auditorium.
Primer: Gen. Clark foundation helps to ‘Renew America.’
Next week, the Overby Center will delve into the importance of empowering leaders for civil impact with a discussion featuring General Wesley K. Clark, former Senate Majority Leader Trent Lott, and Overby Center chairman Charles Overby.
“Behind the South” – Ryan (R.L.) Nave, Editor-in-Chief of Reckon, Discusses How His News Organization Helps Elevate Overlooked Communities in America.
Ryan “R.L.” Nave became Reckon’s editor in May 2020, overseeing the newsroom’s transformation into a millennial-focused brand in the South. Before Reckon, he was the editor-in-chief of Mississippi Today, the state’s largest newsroom.
Student Voice: Objectivity and Fairness Reflection – Hailey Austin
Student Hailey Austin reflects on the “Objectivity and Fairness panel” at the Overby Center held on Nov. 2. Walter Hussman, Jr., publisher of the Arkansas Democrat Gazette, joined the conversation of objectivity with Overby Center chairman Charles Overby.
Student Voice – Objectivity and Fairness Reflection – Hagan Hord
Student Hagan Hord reflects on the “Objectivity and Fairness panel” at the Overby Center held on Nov. 2. Walter Hussman, Jr., publisher of the Arkansas Democrat Gazette, joined the conversation of objectivity with Overby Center chairman Charles Overby.
Panel Photo Gallery – Objectivity and Fairness
View the photo gallery of the "Objectivity & Fairness" panel held on Nov. 2. Walter Hussman, Jr., publisher of the Arkansas Democrat Gazette, joined the conversation of objectivity with Overby Center chairman Charles Overby.
“Behind the South” – Adria R. Walker Discusses Jackson Water Crisis’ Effect on Mothers and Caregivers
Adria R. Walker is an award-winning reporter from Mississippi, but she currently divides her time between Mississippi and Western New York. The Overby Center spoke with her about her Mississippi Today article that focused on the mistrust among residents in Jackson, Miss. in the safety of their city's water.
History provides the recipe for Democrats in Mississippi
In Mississippi, more than any other state, the margin of victory is often decided by who decides to cast a ballot. Charles Mitchell looks back on the 1987 race for governor between Ray Mabus and Jack Reed Sr. He compares it to this year’s top of the ticket features incumbent Republican Tate Reeves and Democrat Brandon Presley.
Trying To Live the Truth in a Polarized Society
The Rev. John Perkins, a Bible teacher, author and community developer, celebrated his 93rd birthday two years in West Jackson. On September 19, 2023, the Perkins Foundation hosted a gala at the Civil Rights Museum to celebrate 63 years of service by John and his wife, Vera Mae.
George McElroy made history by believing in the power of journalism
George McElroy made history as a Black journalist, professor, and extraordinary mentor to young journalists.
Ibargüen receives AEJMC’s Presidential Award
On August 7, 2023, 1,500 members of the Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication (AEJMC) gathered in Washington, DC for their 106th annual conference. The event’s opening ceremony featured a keynote address by Knight Foundation president Alberto Ibargüen which you can read below.