Arkansas Press Women awards $1,000 scholarship to UCA senior Waddell

Arkansas Press Women (APW), an affiliate of the National Federation of Press Women founded in 1949, has selected Mia Waddell, a senior at the University of Central Arkansas, as the recipient of its 2023 scholarship.

Waddell will receive a $1,000 scholarship and a one-year membership to the professional communication organization during the Arkansas Press Women Awards Ceremony May 20 at Northwest Arkansas Community College in Bentonville.

The APW scholarship is awarded annually to an outstanding undergraduate college student in Arkansas who is planning a career in mass communication or journalism. Funding for this scholarship comes from APW’s Maudine Sanders Education Fund, named in honor of the late Maudine Sanders, a previous owner of the Springdale Morning News and a long-time member of Arkansas Press Women.

A native of North Little Rock, Waddell is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in journalism. She has worked at UCA’s student newspaper, The Echo, since 2020, serving as online editor, news editor and associate editor and now leads The Echo as editor-in-chief.

"I am incredibly grateful to Arkansas Press Women for choosing me for this scholarship,” Waddell said. “Arkansas is a terrific state, full of amazing people, and it deserves well-trained and funded journalists. My adviser David Keith and the rest of the journalism faculty at UCA are top-notch. Without their training, feedback and endless encouragement, I would not be half the journalist I am today. Additionally, I am grateful to my staff at The Echo for collaborating, teaching and challenging me for the past three years. I work with incredibly talented and curious student journalists that remind me daily how lucky I am to be afforded this education and experience. Student journalists are a force to be reckoned with."

“We are happy to recognize Mia Waddell as our 2023 scholarship recipient,” said Angie Faller, APW scholarship chair and news director at UA Little Rock. “Mia’s dedication to excellence in journalism and commitment to engaging reporting has truly paid off. We wish you the best in your future endeavors as you continue to make a positive impact in Arkansas journalism.”

Waddell will complete an internship at the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette this summer and continue in her role as editor-in-chief of The Echo during the fall 2023 semester. After she graduates in December 2023, Waddell plans to pursue a career as a reporter.