VMI Cadets Join National Student Journalists at 2025 Collegiate Network Editors Conference

From November 7–9, 2025, student journalists from around the nation converged at the Intercollegiate Studies Institute's campus in Wilmington, Delaware, for the annual Collegiate Network Editors Conference—one of the most influential training events available to young reporters, editors, and newsroom leaders. Among the roughly 100 student editors in attendance were representatives of The Cadet, joining peers from nearly 90 member publications to sharpen their editorial skills, build professional networks, and learn from nationally recognized figures in journalism and commentary. Hosted at the Linda L. Bean Center, the conference combined hands-on workshops, keynote lectures, and professional development sessions designed to prepare student journalists to lead high-impact campus newspapers grounded in truth, ethics, and thoughtful public engagement. A Gathering Built Around Truth and CraftThe Collegiate Network (CN) designed this year's conference with a clear mission: to immerse students in the tools, standards, and leadership competencies required to run an effective independent publication. From the moment participants arrived Friday evening for registration and reception activities, the atmosphere emphasized collegiality, seriousness of purpose, and shared dedication to principled journalism. Across two full days of instruction, student editors engaged in practical workshops on: photojournalism and visual storytelling, website design and layout, managing editorial teams, assigning and editing impactful stories, crafting compelling ledes and headlines, and writing persuasive and ethical opinion content. These sessions were led by seasoned journalists, newsroom editors, and media professionals, many of whom have built long careers covering major national events. Their guidance blended real-world experience with the particular challenges of running a student newspaper, helping editors balance tight deadlines, limited resources, small staffs, and institutional pressures. Central throughout the weekend was a commitment to the Society of Professional Journalists' Code of Ethics, emphasizing truth, transparency, independence, and accountability—four pillars that form the backbone of responsible reporting. Learning from Leaders in Journalism and Public ThoughtOne of the hallmarks of the Editors Conference is its lineup of distinguished keynote speakers. This year was no exception. Tim Carney: Understanding Communities Through ReportingTim Carney, Senior Fellow at the American Enterprise Institute and senior columnist at the Washington Examiner, delivered Friday's keynote. Carney, whose extensive resume includes bylines in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, National Review, and The Washington Post, brought deep experience in political and cultural reporting, showcasing decades of work analyzing American civic life and the importance of local institutions. Carney spoke about journalism's responsibility not just to document events, but to understand the communities in which they occur. His address emphasized the need for student journalists to develop relationships, ask difficult questions, and approach campus reporting with curiosity and intellectual humility. Ann Coulter: The Role of Media in National DiscourseSaturday's keynote featured Ann Coulter, bestselling author and nationally known columnist, whose career has placed her at the forefront of political commentary for nearly three decades. Coulter's extensive media presence—including MSNBC, Real Time with Bill Maher, and Good Morning America. Her lecture focused on the influence of conservative media in national debates and the evolving responsibilities of journalists who challenge mainstream narratives. Coulter encouraged students to write boldly and clearly, while anchoring their work in fact and logic. For young editors, her message underscored the importance of strong editorial voices capable of shaping thoughtful conversation both on campus and beyond. Professional Instruction Across the Media SpectrumBeyond headline speakers, the conference brought together a wide array of media professionals, each adding expertise that addressed specific aspects of newsroom leadership. Workshops Led by Experienced PractitionersAmong the instructors were: Richie McGinniss is a veteran videographer and field reporter who covered protests, riots, and significant national events. He taught students the essentials of visual storytelling and how to ethically and effectively capture defining moments. According to Cadet editor Gracie Harlow '27, "This speaker was extremely interesting as he elaborated on the importance of real-time reporting and media." Brandon McGinley is the editorial page editor for the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette and a finalist for the 2023 Pulitzer Prize in editorial writing. McGinley instructed students on building persuasive opinion content and developing a cohesive editorial voice for a publication. Philip Chalk, design director of the Washington Examiner magazine, has decades of experience in layout, design, and long-form editing. Workshops emphasized not only technical skills but the broader role of editors as managers, mentors, and stewards of their paper's mission. Engagement with ISI Staff MentorsThe conference also introduced students to the dedicated staff of the Intercollegiate Studies Institute, many of whom have backgrounds in reporting, editing, public affairs, or academic research. Their biographies highlight a diverse range of experiences, from editing major publications to leading campus organizations. These staff members facilitated networking events, provided individualized guidance, and helped student editors connect their daily newsroom challenges to broader principles of responsible journalism. Hands-On Learning: A Structure Designed for GrowthThe conference schedule revealed a well-structured weekend meant to maximize engagement. With shuttles running from hotels early each morning and activities continuing late into the evening, the pace of the conference mirrored the pace of a real newsroom—demanding, collaborative, and energizing. Each session blended lecture-style instruction with opportunities to practice new skills. Students learned to critique photographs, rewrite leads, evaluate web page clarity, and troubleshoot common newsroom management problems. Many participants described the experience as transformative, giving them new ways to think about both the craft and the purpose of student journalism. Strengthening the Future of Independent Student NewspapersAt a time when many college newspapers face shrinking budgets, administrative pressure, or lack of student engagement, the Collegiate Network Editors Conference stands out as a crucial resource. By offering training grounded in free inquiry, ethical standards, and practical skill-building, the conference equips student editors to maintain strong independent publications on their campuses. For cadets attending from VMI, the weekend reinforced core values shared between journalism and the Institute itself: truthfulness, accountability, resilience, and leadership. Whether redesigning a website, mentoring new writers, or navigating the complexities of campus reporting, cadet editors returned from Wilmington with renewed purpose and sharper skills to apply in their newsroom. A Weekend That Builds LeadersThe 2025 Collegiate Network Editors Conference offered far more than classroom instruction. It provided a community—one bound together by the belief that strong journalism matters, especially on college campuses where many future leaders first learn to engage with public life. For the cadets who attended, the experience not only broadened their technical abilities but also deepened their understanding of journalism's vital role in a free society. As they return to work on The Cadet, they carry with them the insights, standards, and inspiration of a national gathering dedicated to excellence in student journalism. The conference is just one example of the opportunities available to cadets on The Cadet staff. Join this winning team by contacting a member of The Cadet Staff in barracks or email us at Editor@cadetnewspaper.org. Those wishing to help support The Cadet, which receives no resources from VMI or its alumni agencies, can do so at www.thecadetfoundation.org