As Creative Director of Ponder Magazine, Black Hills State University’s award-winning arts and culture publication, I lead editorial vision, design, ad sales, social media, and brand. Since launching in 2023, Ponder has grown into a nationally recognized magazine, earning a National Gold ADDY, CMA’s Best Magazine Apple Award, and a 2025 ACP Pacemaker.
Under my Leadership, we’ve Built a Multi-National award winning student publication from the ground up.
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Built and managed an editorial team of writers, designers, and photographers. Now at around 20 BHSU student contributors.
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Directed the magazine’s creative vision, establishing cohesive visual identity systems, layout frameworks, and storytelling structures across both print and digital platforms.
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Managed all advertising and sponsorship efforts, securing thousands in funding through custom media packages and long-term partnerships with local businesses and organizations.
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Produced and executed public-facing events, including magazine launch parties, panel discussions, and gallery showcases that connected students with the wider arts and culture community.
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Contributed photography across each issue, including environmental portraits, documentary-style features, and studio shoots to elevate our editorial content.
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Helped Ponder earn over 25 awards at the local, regional, and national levels in our first year. Highlighted by a National Gold ADDY, Pacemaker Award by the Associated Collegiate Press, and named Best Magazine in the Nation by the College Media Association two years in a row.
