(Hampton, VA) – For Hampton University student Camille Johnson ‘27, a trip to New York City became the culmination of years of hard work, creativity, and a commitment to telling stories that matter.
Johnson, a student in Hampton University’s Scripps Howard School of Journalism and Communications, recently received a prestigious Gracie Award, one of the nation’s highest honors recognizing outstanding achievements by women in media. Presented by the Alliance for Women in Media Foundation, the Gracie Awards celebrate journalists, producers, writers, directors, and emerging storytellers whose work advances excellence across television, radio, digital media, and journalism.
The recognition places Johnson among an elite group of professionals and rising voices shaping the future of media.
Her accomplishment also reflects a broader culture of excellence taking root within Hampton University’s Scripps Howard School, where students are gaining national recognition while building careers long before graduation. Through mentorship from faculty, experiential learning opportunities, professional networking, and industry partnerships, the school continues to prepare graduates to compete on the national stage.
“This recognition is a testament to Camille’s talent, work ethic, and willingness to challenge herself creatively,” said Julia Wilson, dean of the Scripps Howard School of Journalism and Communications. “At Hampton, we strive to create an environment where students don’t simply learn journalism and communication. They practice it, refine it, and graduateprepared to lead the industry. Camille represents exactly the kind of excellence we seek to cultivate.”
Johnson’s journey to the Gracie Awards was made possible through a growing network of Hampton alumni dedicated to opening doors for future Pirates. Hampton University alumna and Board of Trustees member Rashida Jones ‘02, ‘24 collaborated with the Dean’s Office to encourage students within the Scripps Howard School to submit their work for consideration and helped connect them to the opportunity.
At the Gracie Awards ceremony in New York, Jones hosted a table that included Johnson and several other Hampton students who have already launched careers with leading media organizations throughout New York, demonstrating the strength of Hampton’s alumni network and its commitment to creating pathways into the communications profession.
The experience offered students more than national recognition. It provided direct access to accomplished media leaders, industry professionals, and fellow storytellers whose work is influencing journalism and entertainment across the country.
President Darrell K. Williams ‘83 said Johnson’s achievement reflects Hampton University’s long-standing tradition of preparing graduates who lead with excellence and purpose.
“Camille’s accomplishment is a proud moment for Hampton University and another example of what is possible when talent is paired with opportunity,” Williams said. “Our students continue to demonstrate that they belong in every room where important stories are told and decisions are made. We are committed to building world-ready leaders that are empowered to compete, lead, and make meaningful contributions across the communications industry.”
Johnson’s national honor arrives at a time when the Scripps Howard School continues expanding opportunities for aspiring journalists, strategic communicators , content creators, and digital media professionals. Students regularly produce multimedia projects, gain hands-on newsroom experience, participate in internships with national organizations and international organizations, and receive mentorship from faculty and alumni whose careers span every corner of the communications field.
This fall, Johnson will continue building on that momentum after being selected as one of only two student workers chosen to serve in the Dean’s Office, where she will support initiatives that strengthen the school’s academic programs and student experiences.
Her Gracie Award represents more than anindividual achievement. It reflects the growing influence of Hampton University’s next generation of communicators, whose voices are already making an impact on newsrooms, public relations agencies, and media organizations across the country.
About Hampton University
Founded in 1868, Hampton University is one of the nation’s strongest Historically Black Colleges and Universities and a prestigious Carnegie R2-designated research institution. For more than 150 years, Hampton has prepared world-ready leaders of character and consequence through a distinctive educational experience grounded in academic excellence, leadership, innovation, and service.
Home to students from 44 states and 32 countries and territories, the University is nationally recognized for groundbreaking research in atmospheric science, cancer research, cybersecurity, marine and environmental science, and other disciplines that address society’s most pressing challenges. With an annual economic impact of $530 million across the Commonwealth of Virginia, Hampton continues to advance discovery, strengthen communities, and prepare graduates to lead with purpose in an increasingly interconnected world. Learn more at www.hamptonu.edu.
