Flagler College Director of Publications Brian Thompson has been selected as a 2026 Faculty Champion by the University of Vermont Center for Community News, recognizing his outstanding efforts to advance student-powered community journalism and expand university-led reporting programs.
Thompson is one of 150 journalism leaders nationwide named to the Center for Community News’ largest Faculty Champions cohort to date. The honor recognizes faculty members who demonstrate innovation, leadership, and a sustained commitment to student success through community-centered reporting initiatives.
As adviser to Flagler College’s award-winning student newspaper, The Gargoyle, Thompson has played a central role in mentoring student journalists as they report on issues impacting St. Augustine and the surrounding region. He also serves as an adjunct faculty member in Flagler’s Communication Department, where he teaches journalism courses, and as editor of Flagler College Magazine.
“At the core of all of these university-led student reporting programs are innovative and entrepreneurial faculty committed to student success,” said Center for Community News Director Richard Watts. “These programs are a win-win for everyone. Students receive high-impact experiences, and communities benefit from more reliable news. This program is a chance to say thank you to the faculty who make it all possible.”
The 2025 Faculty Champions represent 41 states and two Canadian provinces and include faculty from community colleges, Minority-Serving Institutions, Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Hispanic-Serving Institutions, public media outlets, and both private and public universities.
Thompson brings extensive professional journalism experience to his work at Flagler. A former journalist, editor, and columnist, he has earned awards from the National Society of Newspaper Columnists, the Florida Press Club, and other organizations. His career includes work at The St. Augustine Record and The Jacksonville Business Journal, as well as contributions to numerous publications.
"Community news and local issues have always been a major focus for me and the work I do with journalism students. It’s just so critically important, especially in this ever-changing media environment. This is an amazing opportunity to not only work with a passionate group of educators who are trying to make an impact but also see how I can share what I learn with our students,” said Thompson.
Each Faculty Champion receives a $1,000 award, as well as peer support and coaching throughout the year. Participants take part in dedicated cohorts organized around reporting beats, communities, and geographic regions, fostering collaboration and shared learning among journalism educators nationwide.
Now in its third year, the Faculty Champions program has evolved from a single award into a year-long interactive fellowship and peer-to-peer collaboration. The initiative emerged as part of a broader effort to address the rise of news deserts and strengthen local journalism through academic partnerships.
