Baylor Journalism, Public Relations & New Media honors Alumna Tiffanie Blackmon-Jones at the 2024 Student Awards Ceremony

WACO, Texas (April 22, 2024) - The Baylor Journalism, Public Relations & New Media (JPR&NM) department is proud to announce that Tiffanie Blackmon-Jones, B.A. ’05, will be honored as the Alumna of The Year at the annual student awards ceremony. 

Each year, the department selects an alum who demonstrates professionalism, integrity and leadership that exceeds high levels of achievement. This year’s recipient, Blackmon-Jones, has displayed those qualities as a public relations professional and Chief Communications Officer for the Desoto Independent School District since 2017.

Dr. Mia Moody-Ramirez, Chair of the JPR&NM department, says that Blackmon-Jones was an excellent undergraduate leader as the president of the National Association of Black Journalists when she became its adviser at Baylor, and she continues to set the bar in the field of public relations.

“We look forward to honoring Tiffanie,” Dr. Moody-Ramirez said. “She was an amazing student and has had a stellar public relations career.”

Blackmon-Jones, who graduated with a bachelor's degree in journalism, was a three-time letter member of the Baylor women’s basketball team and a Lariat staff writer while in school. Blackmon-Jones said her time in the JPR&NM department prepared her for a career of success in communications.

“As an alum, to receive this acknowledgment of being named Alumni of the Year is truly humbling,” Blackmon-Jones said. “Baylor was an amazing space for me as a college student, and the investment, guidance, and support I received from professors profoundly impacted my life’s trajectory. The opportunity to come back as a product of the university and the School of Journalism, PR and New Media are evidence that, with the right foundation, hard work and determination, dreams do come true.”

This year’s theme is ‘Etched in Gold,’ which highlights the standard of excellence students strive to achieve in the classroom and beyond. The JPR&NM department continues to challenge students in ways that exceed industry standards and encourage them to do their best in fulfilling their goals.

The ceremony will recognize high achieving juniors, seniors and graduate students in all five sequences of study: advertising, broadcast journalism, news editorial, photojournalism and public relations. Etched in Gold be held from 3 to 5 p.m., April 26 at the Paul and Katy Piper Great Hall in the George W. Truett Theological Seminary. 

Over 90 current students and incoming freshman will receive financial aid through scholarships. In addition, numerous rising juniors, graduating seniors and graduate students will receive outstanding awards and honors. The department will cater charcuterie style food from Head Hospitality, provide Magnolia Cupcakes and red-carpet themed entertainment as part of the celebration.

To find out more information about the ceremony and its honorees, please visit baylor.edu/journalism and follow the department’s Instagram, @baylor_jou_pr_nm, regarding live updates.

Baylor University NABJ Presidents

1999-2000 Torie Johnson

2000-2001 John Drake

2003-2004 Tia Blackmon

2005-2006 Jennifer Simmons

2007-2008 Aleana Peoples

2008-2009 Korin Torrence

2009-2010 Giselle Estruch

2009-2010 Tramese Jones

2011-2012 Jocelyn Fowler

2013-2014 Alexis Cubit (year chartered)

2014-2016 Caitlyn Sanders

2015-2016 Kianna Ford

2016-2017 Joy Moton

2017-2018 Tori Hasty

2018-2019 Savannah Cooper

2020-23 Maddie Walkes

2023-23 Cole Gee

About Baylor University’s Journalism, Public Relations & New Media Department

Baylor Journalism, Public Relations and New Media is in the top 5 percent of programs nationwide, as our ACEJMC accreditation proves. In our department, you'll use the most up-to-date technology and the latest editing and design software to hone your skills and work alongside faculty practitioners and scholars. Our faculty offer expertise in each area of the field and a passion for diverse research in areas such as ethics, media relations, minorities, media and religion, social media, public relations, journalism history, media and politics, media and civil society, documentary methods and media effects.