By Abbie Bernet
3-23-2025

The Columbia Scholastic Press Association (CSPA) has recognized University of Miami School of Communication professor Randy Stano with the prestigious Lifetime Achievement in Scholastic Journalism award. Stano is one of only 12 recipients selected for this honor, which celebrates individuals who have dedicated their careers to advancing scholastic journalism and upholding the principles of a free press in education.

As part of CSPA’s Centennial Awards, the Lifetime Achievement Award acknowledges professionals whose contributions have had a lasting impact on journalism education. Stano, a professor of practice in journalism and media management, has played a pivotal role in mentoring student journalists and advising award-winning publications, including the Ibis Yearbook and Distraction Magazine, both of which have earned numerous CSPA Crown and ACP Pacemaker Awards.

“Professor Stano has been one of the most supportive and impactful professors in the School of Communication during my time here at UM,” said Ariella Green, a public relations student in the School’s Honors Program. “I’ve had the opportunity to work with him both in the classroom and in student media. Professor Stano is the type of professor that wants all students to succeed and he realizes that success looks different for every student.”

Stano’s leadership in college media is matched by an impressive list of professional accolades. He has received the Joseph M. Murphy and Charles R. O’Malley Awards from CSPA, the ACP Pioneer Award, and was named CMA Yearbook and Magazine Adviser of the Year. He was also recognized as a National High School Journalism Teacher of the Year and served as president of the Society for News Design (SND), where he received the organization’s Lifetime Achievement Award.

Before joining the University of Miami, Stano worked with Pulitzer Prize-winning teams at The Miami Herald and the Kansas City Star/Times, contributing to visual storytelling and design. He continues to consult internationally on content strategy, color, and typography, and has spoken at CSPA events since 1972.

“Randy’s steadfast dedication to excellence in college media and visual journalism has lifted up thousands of students and colleagues at UM, across the country and around the world,” said Dr. Sallie Hughes, professor and chair of the Department of Journalism and Media Management. “What is less known is that Randy offers calm and caring advice to student editors as they learn how to lead through both good and challenging times. He has volunteered hundreds of detailed portfolio critiques, workshops and one-on-one mentorship sessions at institutions across the U.S., as well as in Central America and Eastern Europe. His impact has been long, wide, and deep.”

Stano’s impact goes far beyond academic instruction. His mentorship has helped shape the careers and lives of countless students, including alumni who now work in media, communications, and design across the globe.

“From my time as a teacher’s assistant to becoming an editor for The Ibis Yearbook, Professor Stano has been more than just a mentor—he has been a guiding force in my personal and professional growth,” said Kristian Rodriguez, B.S.C. ’04, M.F.A. ’18, now an Art Director at the University of Miami. “His unwavering belief in my potential gave me the confidence to spread my wings and pursue my dreams. Beyond the classroom, our strong bond grew into a lasting friendship—one built on mutual respect, shared passion, and continuous learning.”

In addition to the Lifetime Achievement Award, Stano also received a CSPA Service Award, which recognizes 100 individuals who have played a significant role in supporting CSPA over the past century.

“Randy’s commitment to student journalism as an art, force for good, and transformative practice has consistently produced excellence, from his first teaching job in Austin, Texas, through his decades at UM as a Knight Chair and Professor of Practice,” added Dr. Hughes. “He is a role model to all of us in so many ways.”