McNeese Mass Communication Students Win State Awards 

McNeese State University mass communication students recently won student journalism awards from the Society of Professional Journalists Louisiana Professional Chapter. 

Morgan Babineaux, who is from Crowley and graduated in May, won second place in the student features category for her broadcast news stories Small Town Mardi Gras Takes All Day and Woman Repurposes Beads which aired on KPLC. She is currently working at KPLC and says she loves telling stories about Louisiana. 

“I have worked my tail off over the past four years. Between COVID, the hurricanes, college, working full time and juggling a personal life—it has been quite the journey, so to be recognized with this award means the world to me,” Babineaux said. “It’s a steppingstone to what I hope will be a lifelong career. I am honored and I credit my success to my wonderful professors at McNeese and of course my mentors over at KPLC.” 

Jasmine Semien, a senior from Lake Charles, won second place in the unpublished classroom assignment category for her story Student Complaints on the Rise Over Cafeteria Food Quality. She wants to tell stories through movie directing, screenwriting, music and songwriting and to become a pastor. 

“My life is all about telling a story! I want to use everything God has given me to speak and inspire others especially those in my generation,” Semien said. “My voice has power and I want to be able to use it for true impactful change!” 

For more information about becoming a mass communication student at McNeese, visit www.mcneese.edu/academics/undergraduate/mass-communications/.