Graduate Farewell – Meah Copeland

Written by Meah Copeland, Sports Editor|June 7, 2023

My time with the Muleskinner newspaper has been a memorable experience. I will cherish every moment. It has been a fun ride but my time with the paper has ended.

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I learned who I am during my time with the newspaper. I also made mistakes but there were people around me that helped. I achieved so many goals at the Muleskinner.

— Meah Copeland, Former Sports Editor

Coming into the University of Central Missouri, I didn’t know what I wanted to do with my major. I originally was a Sport Management major but decided not to go that route. After taking the open options major class, I realized I wanted to pursue it. Now that I had declared a major, it was time to join clubs and activities. Digital Media Production Professor, Joe Moore pointed me in the right direction. He helped me get started with the newspaper and with my first story. I learned that writing a news story is different from writing a paper. A news story has more details than an essay has.

I started writing for the paper in March 2020. That was an interesting time as the pandemic started and we didn’t return to campus for the remainder of the semester after spring break ended. I kept writing stories online but it was not easy, especially getting interviews. After that, the rest was history.

I have seen the transition in the Muleskinner newspaper. In the beginning, everything was out of place. Once we got a new advisor, Julie Lewis, everything changed. I got to work with great managers, editors and reporters. I wouldn’t be where I am today if it weren’t for those changes. I want to thank everyone at the Muleskinner for getting me through college.

I learned who I am during my time with the newspaper. I also made mistakes but there were people around me that helped. I achieved so many goals at the Muleskinner. I learned so much about the UCM community and its athletic teams. I gained good relationships with the athletes and coaches and I’ll miss the connections that I have made.

Over the years I have seen great athletes play and teams who overcame hardships. I’ve attended many professional developments and Missouri Intercollegiate Activities Association conferences. We have one of the best D-II athletic teams and I’m proud I got to cover those games.