The Crimson White won the highest award in collegiate journalism for its 2014-15 run: the Pacemaker Award, given annually to the top collegiate newspapers in the nation.

The Associated College Press and College Media Association has been awarding the Pacemaker, commonly referred to as “the Pulitzer Prize of collegiate journalism,” at the ACP/CMA National Media Convention for 90 years. Mark Mayfield, the editorial advisor of the Crimson White said he thinks the award is well deserved.

“I think it’s important to underscore just why the CW won the award: it consistently published well-reported stories that students not only wanted to know, but needed to know,” he said.

Last year was also a transitional period for the CW. The paper changed its layout and, after the fall semester, changed its editor-in-chief as well.

“We tried a lot of new things last year,” said Deanne Winslett, the former editor-in-chief. “A new format, a new website, a new attitude and direction. We did it all for our audience, to serve them to the best of our ability. So I’m beyond thrilled to see the students at The Crimson White get recognized for their efforts and their drive for innovation in the ever-changing 
media landscape.”

Andy McWhorter, Winslett’s successor, felt the CW’s staff was a huge factor in the paper’s success.

“I wasn’t all that surprised with our win,” he said. “We were consistently strong throughout the year, and I left very proud of the work we did.”

The 2014-15 edition of The Crimson White was one of five winners in the four-year daily newspaper category. The Crimson White last won the award in 1977, as a non-daily print newspaper. With the Crimson White’s recent shift in direction to a digital-first organization, the CW will compete in the non-daily print category and online category going forward.

“We’re excited to get it – we’re honored to get it – but the work starts today for the next Pacemaker,” said Sean Landry, the current editor-in-chief.