SPRINGFIELD, Missouri – The Lance, Evangel University’s student-produced newspaper, won Best in State—All Divisions at the Missouri College Media Association/Missouri Broadcast Educators Association awards ceremony Saturday. Best in State is awarded by the Missouri College Media Association (MCMA).
“This is a significant first-time honor for The Lance,” Melinda Booze, The Lance adviser, said. “Student media from colleges and universities of all sizes around Missouri participate in the contest. It was extra-special for our students to receive this award surrounded not just by Evangel advisers and peers but by advisers and students from many competing schools.”
Editor Madison Mabry, senior, and managing editor Morgan Sparks, junior, received the traveling Avis Meyer Perpetual Cup, which will be displayed at Evangel until the 2027 ceremony.
“Receiving this award for the first time in our publication’s history is an incredible honor for our team,” Mabry said. “We are passionate about keeping campus informed, and we are honored by this recognition. I am grateful for our staff and the opportunity to serve as the student voice of Evangel.”
MCMA’s newspaper contest consists of four divisions categorized by college type and enrollment. The Best in State trophy is awarded to the newspaper considered the best from all divisions. The Lance also won 23 division awards.
The Lance is printed four times a year and delivers content on the student-produced ValorMedia website, the weekly ValorMedia email newsletter and Instagram and Facebook throughout the academic year.
In addition to Mabry and Sparks, The Lance staff includes senior Jared Jackson, sports editor; junior Alivia Parker, social media coordinator; senior Emma Mullings, photo editor; content creators junior Elijah Stender, sophomore Molly Bailey, senior Andrea Shuford and senior Obed Cordero.
All Evangel student media—newspaper, magazine, television, radio, website, and film—are part of the Communication Department chaired by Cameron Pace.
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About Evangel University
Evangel University, with the Assemblies of God Theological Seminary (AGTS), is a comprehensive, Spirit-led Christian university in Springfield, Missouri. It is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the Council for Christian Colleges & Universities. Under the leadership of Dr. Mike Rakes, Evangel educates and equips students to serve the Church and society globally.
Recent recognition includes:
- Top 15% of Christian Colleges in America — Niche (2026)
- Top Performer in Social Mobility — U.S. News & World Report (2026)
- Best Christian University — Colleges of Distinction (2026)
Evangel also holds program accreditations in business, counseling, music, social work, and theology, and is certified as an Excellence in Giving university. Learn more at evangel.edu.