Southern Utah University student, Marc Dotson, a political science senior from St. George, UT, was selected to receive a 2006 National Mark of Excellence award for Editorial Writing from the Society of Professional Journalists.
Every year, SPJ recognizes the best in student journalism by offering awards in print, radio, television and online collegial journalism. Dotson was recognized as a national finalist in editorial writing for his coverage of campus related events.
Dotson was required to submit three editorials under the guidance of John Gholdston, operations manager for the University Journal. His writings covered the use of student fees and the SUU Student Association budget.
“Far and away the most prestigious award anyone in our journalism program has ever won,” says Paul Husselbee, professor of communication.
Both Husselbee and Dotson expressed praise for Gholdston and his role in Dotson’s accomplishments. “I feel my receipt of a finalist position for the National Mark of Excellence Award is indicative of John Gholdston's quality as a journalist, adviser and teacher,” remarks Dotson.
Entries for the Mark of Excellence award are judged on such criteria as accuracy and completeness, enterprise and ingenuity, and clarity. Dotson will accept the award this fall at a luncheon at the 2007 SPJ Convention & National Journalism Conference in Washington, D.C.