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Get involved with WKU Student Publications


 WKU Student Publications is home to two of the most highly-regarded college publications in the country — the College Heights Herald, founded in 1925, and the Talisman magazine, originally founded as a yearbook in 1924 — along with Cherry Creative, a branded content studio founded in 2018, and the Student Publications Advertising staff, which works with all three groups.

Our organizations are student-run. Students make the decisions, from what's published, to hiring staff members and how we adapt to the future. It's a real-world experience that will expand your skills and make you stand out as you apply for internships and jobs. Staff members are assisted by advisers with professional media experience who will help you grow in your field.

With freshmen through seniors working and learning together, a tight-knit community forms among staff members who find a home on the Hill at WKU Student Publications. If you're a hardworking, passionate individual, you'll be welcomed into that family too.

Our students and alumni have garnered many accolades. Together, our publications have earned 40 Pacemakers, the top national award for student-run publications — 22 for the Talisman, 23 for the College Heights Herald and one for Cherry Creative. Among our alumni, 37 have been honored with a Pulitzer Prize, wither individually or as members of a team.

Our strong network of supportive alumni allows us to offer many scholarships and fellowships open only to students working at WKU Student Publications.

Whether you want to prepare for a career in media, communications or marketing, or just want to be around other people who get excited about the same things as you, WKU Student Publications is the place for you. Learn more about the opportunities for you to get involved by exploring our four divisions below.

 

Talisman

An eclectic life, culture and news outlet with a magazine and website

Learn more

College Heights Herald

The main source of news, via email, in print and online, for Western Kentucky University

Learn more

Cherry Creative

Creative storytellers helping clients share their stories

Learn more

Student Publications Advertising

 Advertising consultants helping clients find the right marketing mix

Learn more


 

Talisman

 "The Talisman has changed who I am tremendously, it has pushed me to step out of my comfort zone and do things that scare me, but I have come away more confident than before. I would not be the person and student I am without the Talisman."

 

Kristina Francis
Senior Journalism Major
Web Writing Editor

 

"There are so many opportunities I have had through the Talisman that I would have never had. Being a staff photographer has allowed me access to people who would have turned me down if I was simply working independently."

Morgan Bass
Magazine and Web Photographer
Sophomore Photojournalism Major

 

"My first application was terrifying because I never thought I would be good enough, but being accepted and encouraged by the staff reminds me that I am more than I think I am."

Claire Dozer
Junior Family & Consumer Sciences Major
Magazine Writer

 

"I’m not completely sure what I want to do in the future, so the Talisman gives me more experience in a field I’m considering going into."

Allie Hendricks
Freshman Photojournalism Major
Magazine and Web Photographer

 

"Talisman allows me to build and flex my creative muscles. I get a say in what I work on rather than just completing assignments."

Josie Keeley
Junior English Major
Web Writer

 

"I’ve learned far more about journalism, media ethics and other things about media than I have in the classroom. I’ve learned more at the Talisman than anywhere else."

Olivia Mohr
Senior Journalism and English Double Major
Editor-in-Chief

 

"The Talisman challenges its staff members to be the best by giving them opportunities that they would not receive elsewhere. The Talisman also provides a close-knit setting for students who have different majors from different backgrounds. It’s a place where everyone is included and equal, while also being challenged to continue strengthening your skills."

Joeleen Hubbard
Junior Photojournalism Major
Magazine and Web Photographer

 

"This is real life: It's a business; it's a magazine; it's a news organization. The same problems and issues we face are what we are going to face in the real world after graduation."

Lily Thompson
Senior Photojournalism and Political Science Double Major
Web Visuals Editor

 

"The Talisman is important to me because it has helped foster friendships, motivate me to grow as a photographer, and taught me a lot about what is expected of a staff photographer at any publication."

Lydia Schweickart
Senior Photojournalism Major
Magazine Photographer

 

 

Work for the Talisman

The Talisman is a life, culture and news outlet with a magazine distributed at the end of each semester and daily content published at WKUTalisman.com.

Founded as WKU’s official yearbook in 1924, the Talisman has garnered national acclaim for its award-winning photography and powerful journalistic writing. We’re still carrying that freethinking mindset today as we adapt to match the array of journalism and communications careers Talisman students pursue.

Positions available in:

  • Writing

  • Photography

  • Videography

  • Page Design

  • Illustration

  • Marketing

  • Editorial Leadership

 

Apply

Website

 

 

Questions? Contact adviser Sam Oldenburg.

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College Heights Herald

 

"Working at the Herald has given me some of the coolest experiences I never thought I would have, specifically covering two sold-out NCAA tournament games "

Kaden Gaylord
Sophomore Broadcast Major
Sports Reporter

 

"Working for the College Heights Herald was the best decision I’ve made in college. In my time here, I have gained countless opportunities to develop my skills as a journalist and a leader. My experience has also granted me opportunities to work as an intern in newsrooms where I applied what I’d learned at the Herald and in the classroom in professional contexts. The Herald has introduced me to some of my best friends in college and empowered me with the confidence I need to succeed in the rest of my career. I wouldn’t be the person I am today had I not applied."

Laurel Deppen
Senior Broadcast Major
Editor-In-Chief
 

 

"The Herald gave me the experience I needed to go out and produce high quality content on a daily basis."

Rick Loomis
Former Staff Photographer
Freelancer and Pulitzer Winner

 

"Working at the Herald taught me through experience how to navigate working in a newsroom as a black woman. I learned quickly the value people of color bring to newsrooms and the harm it does to the industry when it doesn't look like the communities it's supposed to serve. Whether its holding our white colleagues and bosses accountable to cover all the dimensions of our lives or pointing out when our systems fall short of its values, journalism and WKU Student Publications need you to push it to its full potential." 

Ambriehl Crutchfield 
Former Staff Reporter
91.7 WVXU, Cincinatti

 

"In my four years at the Herald I’ve been able to gain professional experience in a newsroom as a reporter and leader. I’ve also been able to meet so many talented and passionate journalists and photojournalists who constantly inspire, guide and push me to do my best. I’ve been able to try new ideas, sometimes make mistakes but, most importantly, learn from them. For me, journalism is powerful because of its ability to inform and connect a community. The Herald has provided me with a space to tell some incredible stories and to strengthen my love for this craft."

Rebekah Alvey
Former Editor-In-Chief
Spring 2020 Gradaute

 

"The Herald gave me everything I needed to prepare me for my career after college. The classes at WKU taught me a lot, but the Herald gave me a place to apply that learning and gain real experience. To those considering joining the Herald’s team, I promise you won’t regret it."

Jeremy Chisenhall
Former Editor-In-Chief
Breaking News Reporter, Lexington Herald-Leader

 

 

"The College Heights Herald was like being placed in this incubator full of talent where you’re allowed to grow into a full-formed journalist. I spent two and half years there, learning how to work a beat, build trust with sources and eventually find my voice as a writer. When I graduated and started my career I never felt the weight of inexperience. The talent of the Herald staff and its advisers had thoroughly prepared me for life as a journalist."

George Robinson
Former sports reporter
Sports Writer, Leaf-Chronicle

 

 

 

Work for the Herald

The College Heights Herald brings you everything you need to know on and around campus every Tuesday in print and 24/7 online. With over 50 locations to pick up a copy, active social media, and our website, the Herald is your go-to source for campus news, sports and more. The Herald is the best way to stay constantly connected to the student voice.

 

Positions available in:

  • Writing

  • Photography

  • Videography

  • Page Design

  • Copyediting

  • Marketing Ambassadors

  • Editorial Leadership

 

Apply

Website

 

 

Questions? Contact adviser Carrie Pratt.

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Cherry Creative

 

"Putting yourself out there is the hardest part. But once you do, you won’t regret it! Cherry Creative has helped me grow in ways I couldn’t imagine. I get to work with people who believe in you more than you might believe in yourself. "

Ashlyn Crawford
Sophomore Visual Arts and User Experience Double Major
Designer

 

"Cherry Creative at its core is the perfect blend of journalism and marketing. It opened me up to career opportunities that I would have never thought possible and most of all, has prepared me for the ever-changing media industry I'm about to enter."

Hayley Robb
Senior Journalism Major
Creative Director

 

"Being able to work for a real publication has given me the opportunity to collaborate with writers, designers, and other photographers. It has given me the skills necessary to work in a real newsroom. My advisers and coworkers at students pubs have been a great source of learning, encouragement, and friendship during my time at WKU."

Grace Pritchett
Senior Advertising and Photojournalism Double Major
Photo Editor

"Cherry Creative has given me the opportunity to combine my visual storytelling and advertising passions to work with clients in the Bowling Green and WKU community. It is a great place to challenge yourself, collaborate with other creatives, and gain a family of peers and professional staff that completes your college experience!"

Hayley Watson
Senior Photojournalism Major
Video Coordinator

 

 

Work for Cherry Creative

Cherry Creative is a team of creative storytellers — writers, designers, artists, photographers and videographers with the skills to produce insightful, impactful media. Whether reaching the university audience or the wider community, Cherry Creative engages an array of clients to produce creative, sponsored storytelling across platforms, providing support and resources for the College Heights Herald and Talisman.

In collaboration with local businesses, this team produces sponsored content pieces that are published in the Herald or Talisman, special sections that will are distributed in the Herald, and other special projects.

 

Positions available in:

  • Design

  • Writing

  • Photography

  • Videography

  • Editorial Leadership

 

Apply

Website

 

 

Questions? Contact adviser Sam Oldenburg.

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Student Publications Advertising

 

“Working for Student Pubs was the best decision I made during college. It gave me the chance to grow as a professional and make life long friends.”

Andy Lee
Advertising Manager
2018-2019

 

 

Work for Student Publications Advertising

Sales representatives consult with clients to develop campaigns that best meet the needs of their business. Advertising space is sold for both the Herald and Talisman, in print and online. Sales reps also work closely with the staff of Cherry Creative to pitch unique opportunities, including sponsored content and specialty publications, to clients.

 

ApplyQuestions? Contact adviser Sam Oldenburg.

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 Last Modified 4/4/24