2026 SJMC Awards Ceremony

Erin Everette has distinguished herself as an exceptional student both inside and outside the classroom. Her academic strengths span web design, coding, social media, content creation, and digital strategy, reflecting the breadth of skills central to digital media innovation. A Dean’s List recipient from 2022 through 2026, Erin consistently demonstrates academic excellence and a commitment to producing high-quality work. Beyond the classroom, she has played a key leadership role in student involvement, serving as president of SJMC’s newest student organization, TXST Campus Creators, after previously serving as communications director. Erin has also gained valuable professional experience through internships in social media and marketing with Texas Rodeo and Austin Angels. Her combination of technical expertise, leadership, communication skills, and real-world experience makes her a standout representative of the Digital Media Innovation program.

Lauren Culp is a senior in Electronic Media who carries a perfect GPA at Texas State: 4.0. That’s remarkable under any circumstances but she managed to do it through an internship at a production house this semester, and while spending countless hours at KTSW over her three years here. Most recently, she worked through four long semesters at the radio station, including a heavy workload last summer, keeping music on the air. She served as production director during her last year at KTSW. Multiple faculty members complimented the characteristics they all saw in Lauren: exemplary leadership; tenacity; a personal drive for excellence; independent reliability. She’s always in class or on the job at KTSW. Her work is always done early, and well, without any need for reminders. When she’s faced with a challenge, she doesn’t show intimidation, she shows curiosity. She pushes ahead to teach herself how to do new things, then teaches them to her classmates. Even after she finishes a course, she has been known to go back to previous professors to wring out a bit more knowledge or get a question answered. And everyone lauded her remarkable attitude: calm, proactive – even driven – but always positive, engaging and mature. The Electronic Media faculty members are proud to congratulation Lauren Culp as our outstanding student of 2026.

Rhian Davis has demonstrated outstanding leadership, creativity, and journalistic excellence throughout her time at Texas State. As managing editor of The University Star, she leads the design team, oversees weekly budget meetings, edits content across sections, and contributes reporting and photography of her own. In the classroom, Rhian is known as an engaged, enthusiastic student who balances rigorous academic work with significant professional responsibilities. Her talent has been recognized through multiple honors for her journalism, including both individual and group awards from the Texas Intercollegiate Press Association and the College Media Association. Beyond student media, Rhian has also completed a social media internship, further expanding her professional experience. She has spent the past two summers working at a youth camp in Colorado, demonstrating versatility, leadership, and a strong work ethic that extend well beyond the classroom and newsroom

Andrea Estela Pabon has distinguished herself as an exceptional leader, scholar, and public relations professional. Graduating in May 2026 with dual degrees in public relations and management, Andrea currently serves as president of the award-winning Texas State PRSSA chapter after several years of active leadership within the organization. She has consistently pursued professional development through chapter-hosted trips and attendance at the annual PRSSA ICON conference. In 2024, Andrea joined educators and industry professionals in Anaheim, California, as part of a presentation at the PRSA Educators Academy Summit. In 2025, she competed on Texas State’s Bateman Case Study Competition team, helping the program earn a top-12 national finish. Andrea is also a member of the Gold Star Society, Texas State’s presidential ambassador organization, and has completed internships with the School of Journalism and Mass Communication and ECPR Texas, reflecting her strong professional preparation and leadership.

Mabel Mba has distinguished herself as an exceptional scholar, educator, and leader in the Digital Media Communication master’s program, where she maintains a perfect 4.0 GPA. During her time at Texas State, she has served as a graduate instructional assistant, instructor of record, and lecturer, quickly earning the trust and admiration of faculty and students alike. She supported large undergraduate courses, led graduate assistant teams, and earned outstanding student evaluations for her teaching. Beyond the classroom, Mabel served as project manager for SJMC’s 2025 Mass Comm Week, contributed to TEDx event planning, worked on SJMC’s SXSW content team, and served as social media manager for the McCoy College of Business. Her master’s project focused on creating a research-driven website centered on global tech education communication. A member of Phi Kappa Phi and Alpha Chi honor societies, Mabel represents academic excellence, innovation, and leadership.