Rock Hill Partners with Winthrop University to Enhance Journalism Education

Rock Hill Welcomes New Partnership for Journalism Growth

ROCK HILL — Exciting news is unfolding right here in our community as Winthrop University teams up with a major state newspaper to bolster the future of journalism in South Carolina. Starting next year, they’re launching a landmark partnership that’s set to establish a dedicated newsroom on campus, opening doors for students looking to break into the journalism field.

As part of this agreement, the university will host the state’s largest newspaper in a brand-new office located in the Barnes and Noble bookstore within the DiGiorgio Campus Center. This arrangement gives students an excellent opportunity to work alongside seasoned professionals while still enjoying campus life. The initiative is specifically designed to create a more robust pipeline of journalists, so aspiring communicators, this is your moment!

A Little Background on the Partnership

This three-year pilot partnership, which runs from January 2025 through December 2027, is shaped to benefit both Winthrop students and the newspaper. There will be a local editor, along with two reporters and a publisher/advertising director stationed on campus. Additionally, a number of talented students will be selected to serve as interns during the fall and spring semesters. Interns will engage in a variety of tasks, from news writing to marketing and advertising duties.

Provost Sebastian van Delden shared his insights on this partnership, stating, “Winthrop benefits by having a high caliber news organization nearby, which means increased experiential learning, career, and other opportunities for Winthrop students.” This relationship is not just about gaining experience; it’s about crafting mentorship moments that can significantly shape the careers of these young journalists.

A Stepping Stone for Future Journalists

On the other side of the coin, P.J. Browning, the president and publisher of the newspaper, expressed her enthusiasm for this collaboration. “We have worked with Winthrop students in the past and have found them to be among the best,” she said. This new partnership will allow professional staff to guide students in various aspects of journalism, offering invaluable real-world experience.

Professor Nathaniel Frederick, who chairs the Department of Mass Communication, also chimed in, expressing excitement for the hands-on opportunities this partnership will offer. “The Department of Mass Communication is looking forward to giving our journalism and marketing students a chance to have real-world experiences with one of the best newspapers in the state,” he said. Internships like these are crucial for students to network and gain a better understanding of what their future careers will entail.

How to Get Involved

For those college students who might be interested in securing an internship with the newspaper, don’t hesitate to reach out! You can contact Robie Scott via email or phone—we’ve got the details you need. This is a golden opportunity, and you don’t want to miss out!

As the Rock Hill-York County region continues to grow, both Winthrop University and the newspaper are excited to adapt and support the evolving landscape. This partnership not only represents an important step in student career development but also promises to enrich our community through robust journalism.

With our morning skies expected to be overcast and a slight chance of a rain shower, it’s a perfect day to stay indoors, maybe catch up on some reading or even think about how you can get involved with this fresh opportunity unfolding right here in Rock Hill!

Keep an eye on the developments coming from this collaboration. As both Winthrop University and the newspaper gear up for this exciting journey, you’re sure to see new stories, ideas, and voices emerging from our wonderfully talented students in the months and years to come.