Congratulations to Associate Professor of Practice Nicole Kraft  for being named one of 62 2025 CCN Champions by The Center for Community News at the University of Vermont. This award recognizes faculty, public media professionals and news leaders from institutions large and small for their work growing university-led reporting programs in their region. 

Kraft will be awarded $1,000, along with yearlong peer support and coaching. The program is led by CCN’s Scott Finn in partnership with Amanda Bright, director of the Cox Institute Journalism Innovation Lab at the University of Georgia.

This honor reflects Kraft’s dedication to journalism education and her commitment to equipping students with the skills and experience necessary to strengthen local news coverage.