W communications teams recognized statewide for outstanding work

With awards spanning print, digital and media categories, Mississippi University for Women’s University Relations and Athletic Communications offices made a strong impact at this year’s College Public Relations Association of Mississippi (CPRAM) Awards Banquet.

“I’m proud of the work we produced last year, which showcases individual and team efforts,” said Anika Perkins, executive director of University Relations. “It’s an honor to have our work recognized by our peers as we continue to tell the story of The W and its impact.”

University staff members competed in the senior division, which includes all of the state’s public and private four-year colleges and universities. The awards were announced Tuesday, May 20 during the 2025 CPRAM Annual Conference held this year at Mississippi State University.

CPRAM, a consortium of public relations professionals employed at Mississippi’s higher education institutions, including public and private colleges, universities, and affiliated education agencies, serves as the premier platform for recognizing outstanding achievements in the field of public relations.

University staff award winners include: Anika Perkins, executive director of university relations; Dave Beyer, director of athletics communications; Chris Jenkins, university photographer; Erik Studdard, graphic artist; Robert Scott, communication specialist; and Tyler Wheat, director of communications.

First Place

• Feature Story: “Rising to the Occasion” – Tyler Wheat

• Sports News Story: “Why Nichols made sense as Owls look to make change” – Dave Beyer

• Sports Feature Story: “Big Dudes, Little Friends” – Dave Beyer

• Social Media Sports Account: The W Athletics Facebook – Dave Beyer

Second Place

• Institutional Magazine: Visions Fall 2024 – Erik Studdard, Chris Jenkins, Robert Scott, Tyler Wheat, Anika Perkins

• Sports News Story: “Owls Volleyball has record-setting opening day win, 3-1” – Dave Beyer

• Sports Feature Story: “Book It!” – Dave Beyer

• Social Media Sports Account: The W Athletics Instagram – Dave Beyer

• Social Media Sports Post: SLIAC Track and Field Coverage – Dave Beyer

• Wildcard Electronic Media: The Owls Digital Network – Dave Beyer

Third Place

• Institutional Magazine: Visions Summer 2024 – Erik Studdard, Chris Jenkins, Robert Scott, Tyler Wheat, Anika Perkins

• Single Piece of Artwork Non-Sports: Black History Month 2024 – Erik Studdard

• News Story: “Hagey Awarded $1M NSF Grant” – Robert Scott

• Sports News Story: “Owls Men’s Golf memorable season comes to a close at NCAA III Championship” – Dave Beyer

• Fine Arts Photography: “Splash Down” – Chris Jenkins

• Social Media Sports Account: MUW Athletics X – Dave Beyer

• Social Media Sports Post: “Gourd” Karma! – Dave Beyer