The University of Central Missouri’s student news outlet, the Muleskinner, hosted digital media creator and journalist Dave Jorgenson for a campus visit and community event at 9 a.m. on April 6 at the James C. Kirkpatrick Library’s first floor. The event received funding support from the American Democracy Project, Online Learning Engagement and Student Funding Committee.
“OES [Online and Extended Studies] funded the event because we support many types of student engagement opportunities,” said Laurel Hogue, Vice Provost for Online and Extended Studies. “He [Jorgenson] provided the campus and community with practical takeaways on blending real-time storytelling with humor and humility to connect with social media audiences.”
Jorgenson is a Webby Award–winning digital video creator, journalist, and co-founder of Local News International, a media company focused on innovative storytelling and audience engagement. He is widely recognized as the creator and on-screen personality behind the viral TikTok newsroom at The Washington Post, where his creative storytelling helped the organization connect with millions of younger audiences online. Jorgenson is also the author of the book Make a TikTok Every Day.
“My week started off in the most local newsroom of all – the University of Central Missouri’s newsroom,” said Jorgenson in his Local News International newsletter, released on April 10. “The Muleskinner (renamed in the 60s after a popular Dolly Parton song) is filled with talented, curious journalists. I was honored to speak with them and completely re-energized by their enthusiasm.”
During his visit, Jorgenson met with Muleskinner student journalists, toured campus media spaces, and delivered a guest presentation focused on emerging journalism trends, digital storytelling and engaging audiences in a rapidly evolving media landscape. The program included a moderated discussion and a question-and-answer session with students.
“Dave’s presentation was surprisingly entertaining. He is a very charismatic man and his passion for his work shows in the media he produces,” said Riley Green, Muleskinner Design Coordinator.
The event aimed to bring together university students, local high school journalism educators and programs, and community members to explore how journalism and storytelling continue to evolve in the digital age.
“It was really exciting to see so many students, staff members, faculty and community members come together to learn from Jorgenson’s presentation,” said Sadie Staker, Muleskinner Editor in Chief. “Journalism is a rapidly changing field, so it was valuable to have someone at the forefront of that change sharing their expertise here at the university.”
The Muleskinner provides hands-on reporting and multimedia storytelling experience for students while serving the campus and Warrensburg communities with local news coverage.
