Riley Dutcher, peer learning advisor (PLA) for the Sports Journalism Freshman Interest Group (FIG), received the FIG Excellence in Leadership Award on Nov. 15, 2024. He was nominated by Professor Gordon Dickson. This award recognizes faculty co-facilitators and PLAs who go above and beyond in service to Mizzou students.

Riley Dutcher is a senior studying economics and journalism with an emphasis in reporting and writing. He is a content editor for KOMU 8 News Digital.

Spotlight on Excellence

In his award nomination for Riley, Dickson said:

“Riley and I have taught a sports journalism FIG course together for three years. Riley is an enthusiastic leader. He takes care to let the students in our FIG class know that he cares about them – especially their mental health – as they adjust to college life. He makes an extra effort to let students know what campus resources are available to them.

“Riley also is terrific at leading by example. During the time I have known Riley, I have watched him excel as a student in one of my classes (Journalism 4180 Newsroom Content Creation). I also had a front row seat to watch Riley become a top notch sports writer at the Columbia Missourian, where I work as a faculty editor. And now, Riley’s talents are on display at KOMU.

“Riley does such a good job organizing our FIG class, I mostly just provide background support for him. The students all know him as the leader of the class. Unfortunately for me, Riley will be graduating in May. (Congrats, Riley!) So, even though I probably won’t be able to work with Riley on a future FIG class, I hope that Riley and I stay in frequent contact in the years to come, and become lifelong journalism colleagues.”