Students at The University of Texas at Tyler earned 60 awards at this year’s Texas Intercollegiate Press Association Convention. TIPA, the largest organization of collegiate mass communication programs in Texas, annually recognizes excellence in writing, editing, photography, videography, advertising, marketing, publication design and social media content.

UT Tyler senior Nathan Witt of Mineola, Patriot Talon editor-in-chief and TIPA’s outgoing student board vice president, said the awards represent the staff’s dedication to excellence.

“This wasn’t about winning awards, it was about providing the highest level of quality to our student body. The awards are just confirmation that we’re doing what we set out to do,” said Witt.

Among honors, UT Tyler senior David Chapek of Big Sandy placed third for “2025 TIPA Student Reporter of the Year.” His stories explored the rise of sex trafficking in Smith County, efforts to help domestic abuse victims and how UT Tyler is providing Narcan to help prevent fentanyl overdose deaths.

The university also received “Best Use of Social Media Among Texas Colleges” with a student population of no more than 10,000. Talon staff placed first in headline writing for previously published content.

UT Tyler students earning TIPA awards for on-site competitions listed by hometown are:

MINEOLA – Witt, honorable mention for headline writing; first place in sports column; second place in advertising campaign; third place in social media breaking news and honorable mention for interactive advertisement design.

Brynna Williamson, second place in blog and third place in in-depth audio news reporting.