• It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Sarah Doerner, IJEA’s longest-serving president. Sarah died Nov. 29 in Du Quoin at the age of 86. Services were held Dec. 7. See below for our tribute to this great journalism educator.
  • High school seniors! Get your portfolios ready for the 2025 Illinois Journalist of the Year Contest! Entries will be due Feb. 15.
  • The winners of the 2024 IJEA Yearbook Contest have been announced! Check out our article below for the full listing of honorees!
  • A big thank you to everyone who attended our 2024 Fall Conference, which took place Sept. 20 at Illinois State University. The sessions were amazing! Thank you to all of our presenters!
  • Advisers! Join IJEA today! Annual memberships and lifetime memberships are available. Use our online form or fillable PDF to join!
Illinois Journalism Education Association, 2501 Chatham Road, Suite 200, Springfield, IL 62704

Illinois JEA
Illinois Journalism Education Association, 2501 Chatham Road, Suite 200, Springfield, IL 62704

Illinois JEA
Illinois Journalism Education Association, 2501 Chatham Road, Suite 200, Springfield, IL 62704

Illinois JEA

IJEA Administrator of the Year Award

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Honoring Administrators Who Stand Up for Student Media

Online Nomination Form

Submission Deadline: March 15

Each year, the Illinois Journalism Education Association honors an administrator who has demonstrated outstanding commitment to scholastic journalism and a free press. IJEA seeks to honor those who have:

• Actively supported advisers and journalism teachers
• Actively supported opportunities for interaction with student staffs, advisers and teachers
• Cultivated and maintained positive working relations with student staffs, advisers and teachers
• Fostered an awareness of educational and career opportunities in journalism and media
• Recognized outstanding performance in and outstanding support for scholastic media

 

Annual Deadline: March 15

The award is presented at the annual All-State Journalism luncheon in June, held in Springfield in conjunction with the Illinois Press Foundation. IJEA members are encouraged to submit nominations.

 

How to Nominate a Candidate

You may nominate a candidate by using our online nomination form below. Please note that we no longer use PDF forms for award nominations.

 

Online Form

Click here to access the online nomination form for this award.

 

IJEA Administrator of the Year Award Winners

Twelve administrators have received this honor, including two in 2014. Help us expand this roster by nominating an administrator you know who advocates and defends a strong student press!

2020
Eric Hurelbrink

Meridian High School (Meridian, Macon County)

2019
Brett Elliott

Richwoods High School (Peoria, Peoria County)

2014 (two winners)
Mark Eckmann

Belvidere North High School (Belvidere, Boone County)

Michele Sinclar

Mattoon High School (Mattoon, Coles County)

2013
Dave Johnson

Huntley High School (Huntley, McHenry County)

2011
Tina Cantrell

John Hersey High School (Arlington Heights, Cook County)

2010
Charles McCormick

Kaneland Community High School (Maple Park, Kane County)

2009
Richard Kirchner

Belvidere North High School (Belvidere, Boone County)

2008
Fred Schouten

Reavis High School (Burbank, Cook County)

2007
Thomas Campbell

Taylorville High School (Taylorville, Christian County)

2006
Kassie Patton

University of Illinois Laboratory High School (Urbana, Champaign County)

2005
Jim Butler

Harrisburg High School (Harrisburg, Saline County)

1995
Charles Dill

Johnsburg High School (Johnsburg, McHenry County)

 

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IJEA Administrator of the Year Award