The Media Center is excited to announce the senior leadership team for the 2025-2026
academic year for The Daily Beacon, Ablaze Magazine, and The Volunteer Channel.
Caden Dyer – Editor-in-Chief of The Daily Beacon
“I am honored to continue the Beacon’s prestigious legacy, and I am thrilled to steward
an organization that has given me invaluable career training. The Beacon has truly made Rocky Top home sweet home to me.”
Dyer is a rising junior majoring in public relations and minoring in journalism and
media. She has worked for The Daily Beacon, since she arrived on Rocky Top. She currently serves as the Beacon’s managing editor.
Gracyn Thatcher – News Director of The Volunteer Channel
“Being named the next TVC news director is an honor that fills me with both excitement
and gratitude. This role is about more than just me; it’s an opportunity to give back by
mentoring students, just as those before me guided and inspired me. Together with my
team, I’m committed to shaping TVC into the university’s leading news source, ensuring
its growth and success in the year ahead.”
Gracyn is a rising senior, majoring in journalism and media. She has interned at
Knoxville’s CBS affiliate, WVLT, and currently serves as assistant managing editor for TVC.
Alexie Cowan – Sports Director of The Volunteer Channel
“It is such an honor to be chosen for TVC sports director. I’m so excited to showcase
TVC’s talent in sports broadcasting, especially in the era of Tennessee sports we are in right now! I can’t wait to give back to the program that gave so much to me.”
Alexie is a rising senior, majoring in journalism and media. She has interned for VFL Films and WVLT. She is currently a sports reporter and anchor for TVC.
Sophia Carter – Editor-in-Chief of Ablaze Magazine
“Ablaze showcases some of the most unique and imaginative people on campus, and it’s a privilege to be one of many passionate voices. As an empowering force, Ablaze merges dedicated research with creative expression at a crucial time. It’s an honor to represent the community I’ve bonded with since my freshman year.”
Carter is a rising senior, majoring in English. She currently serves as the photo editor of Ablaze.
The student leaders were selected through a competitive process overseen by the
Student Media Senior Leadership Evaluation Committee, comprised of Professor Nick
Geidner (director of The Media Center), Professor Amy Jo Coffey (director of the School of Journalism and Media), Jody Hamblett (general manager of WUOT 91.9 FM), Carter Moore
(student committee member), and David Cobb (alumni committee member).