TODD R. VOGTS, PH.D.

+1.620.245.4551  •  todd.vogts@gmail.com  •  toddvogts.com

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EDUCATION

Ph.D., Leadership Communication (May 2023)

Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas

GPA: 4.0/4.0

Dissertation Research:

• What’s right (leaning) with Kansas media: The cultivation of misinformation in rural America (link)

• Advisor: Jacob Groshek, Ph.D.

M.A., Journalism with an emphasis in Media Management (May 2018)

University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri

GPA: 4.0/4.0

Thesis Research:

• Effects of Journalism Education on Student Engagement: A Case Study of a Small-Town Scholastic Press Program (link)

• Advisor: Keith Greenwood, Ph.D.

M.S., Education with an emphasis in Journalism Education (May 2012)

Fort Hays State University, Hays, Kansas

GPA: 3.97/4.0

B.A., Communication with an emphasis in Print Journalism (May 2008)

Wichita State University, Wichita, Kansas

GPA: 3.73/4.0

Honors: Outstanding Print Journalist of the Year

PUBLICATIONS AND PRESENTATIONS

Peer-Reviewed Journal Publications

1. Vogts, T.R. (2025).“It’s all about relationships”: Future of the rural news centers on community connectedness and local coverage to combat disruptions and adapt to evolutions within the industry. Grassroots Editor, 66(2), 1-16.
2. Vogts, T. R. (2024). Prioritizing print and marginalizing misinformation: Exploring why rural weeklies avoid serving communities with reliable news online. Grassroots Editor, 65(2), 1-12.
3. Vogts, T. R. (2023). U.S. Student Media Associations’ Mission Statements Provide Discursive Leadership in Support of Civic Culture. Journalism & Mass Communication Educator, 78(3). https://doi.org/10.1177/10776958231170319
4. Vogts, T.R. “Politics on the Plains: Analyzing nonprofit news outlets’ coverage of democratic decision-making.” Manuscript in preparation for submission to News Research Journal.
5. Vogts, T.R. “‘The news you need to know’: Coverage choices of daily news roundup podcasts and the implications for news trust.” Manuscript in preparation for submission to Journalism & Mass Communication Quarterly.
6. Vogts, T.R. “Players or pinups? Investigating how media outlets report on female college athletes with highest-earning Name-Image-Likeness deals.” Manuscript in preparation for submission to Journalism Practice.

Refereed Book Chapters

1. Vogts, T.R., & Groshek, J. (2025). Sowing Seeds of Distrust: Investigating the Spread of Mis- and Disinformation by Exploring the Pathways for Rural Americans to News. In D. Schill & J.A. Hendricks (Eds.), Political Communication and Digital Advocacy: Strategies and Implications (pp.160-213). Peter Lang. http://doi.org/10.3726/b22642  

Academic Book Projects

1. Vogts, T.R., & Groshek, J. (2026). Misinformation Finds Them: Hybrid Media and Radicalization in Rural America. Peter Lang Publishing. https://doi.org/10.3726/b21945
2. Vogts, T.R. “Fine print focused: Investigating a rural, community news start-up.” In progress.

Conferences & Invited Presentations

1. Vogts, T.R. (2025). Deliver News to the Digital Doorstep: Using Newsletters to Reach Readers [Conference presentation]. Kansas Scholastic Press Association (KSPA) Fall Conference, Wichita State University, Wichita, KS, United States.
2. Vogts, T.R. (2025). K.O. the Misinfo: Fighting “Fake News” [Conference presentation]. Kansas Scholastic Press Association (KSPA) Fall Conference, Wichita State University, Wichita, KS, United States.
3. Vogts, T.R. (panelist). (2025). Teaching Communication and Speech Roundtable [Panel session]. Kansas Speech Communication Association (KSCA) Conference, Wichita State University, Wichita, KS, United States.
4. Vogts, T.R. (2025). Integrating Technology and Media in the Classroom [Conference presentation]. Kansas Speech Communication Association (KSCA) Conference, Wichita State University, Wichita, KS, United States.
5. Groshek, J., Vogts, T.R., & Zonin, A. (presenter). (2025). Modeling the Misinformation Finds Them (MFT) Perception [Poster session]. Political Networks and Computational Social Science (PolNet-PaCSS) Annual Conference, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, United States.
6. Vogts, T.R. (panelist). (2025). AI and Student Newsroom Policies [PF&R Panel session]. Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication (AEJMC) Annual Conference, San Francisco, CA, United States.
7. Vogts, T.R. (2025). Centering on Community Connectedness [Conference presentation]. International Society of Weekly Newspaper Editors (ISWNE) Annual Conference, South Dakota State University, Brookings, SD, USA.
8. Vogts, T.R. (panelist). (2025). Strengthening Rural Voices in a Changing Media Landscape [Panel session]. National Farmers Union Convention, Oklahoma City, OK, United States.
9. Vogts, T.R. (2024). K.O. the Misinfo: Fighting “Fake News” [Conference presentation]. Fall JEA/NSPA National High School Journalism Convention, Philadelphia, PA, United States.
10. Vogts, T.R. (2024). Let Democratic Freedom Ring with Public Journalism [Conference presentation]. Fall JEA/NSPA National High School Journalism Convention, Philadelphia, PA, United States.
11. Vogts, T.R. (2024). K.O. the Misinfo: Fighting “Fake News” [Conference presentation]. Kansas Scholastic Press Association (KSPA) Fall Conference, Wichita State University, Wichita, KS, United States.
12. Vogts, T.R. (2024). Reeling in Readers: Writing Leads that Hook the Audience [Conference presentation]. Kansas Scholastic Press Association (KSPA) Fall Conference, Wichita State University, Wichita, KS, United States.
13. Vogts, T.R. (2024). FOMO on Ways to Stop Misinformation [Conference presentation]. International Society of Weekly Newspaper Editors (ISWNE) Annual Conference, Toronto Metropolitan University, Toronto, ON, Canada.
14. Vogts, T.R. (panelist). (2024). Unraveling AI influence on social media platforms [Panel session]. K-State Social Media Week hosted by Huck Boyd National Center for Community Media and the Kansas State University Department of Computer Science, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, United States.
15. Vogts, T.R. (convener & moderator/panelist). (2024). Conducting mass communication research in a Paid-API world [Peer-reviewed panel session]. AEJMC Midwinter Conference, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK, United States.
16. Vogts, T.R., & Schmidt, H.M. (2024). Confident Conversations: Interacting with the Media to Tell Your Story [Conference keynote presentation]. Kansas Fairs & Festivals Association Convention, Wichita, KS, United States.
17. Vogts, T.R. (2023). Journalism: The Gateway to Democracy [Conference presentation]. Fall JEA/NSPA National High School Journalism Convention, Boston, MA, United States.
18. Vogts, T.R. (2023). Public Journalism: It’s “Wicked Smaht” [Conference presentation]. Fall JEA/NSPA National High School Journalism Convention, Boston, MA, United States.
19. Vogts, T.R. (2023). Taming the Monster: Fighting “Fake News” [Conference presentation]. Fall JEA/NSPA National High School Journalism Convention, Boston, MA, United States.
20. Vogts, T.R. (2022). Get Certified: Presentation of MJE Projects [Conference presentation]. Fall JEA/NSPA National High School Journalism Convention, St. Louis, MO, United States.
21. Vogts, T.R. (2022). It Takes a Village: Beyond Typical Sports Features [Conference presentation]. Fall JEA/NSPA National High School Journalism Convention, St. Louis, MO, United States.
22. Vogts, T.R. (2022). Journalism: The Gateway to Democracy [Conference presentation]. Fall JEA/NSPA National High School Journalism Convention, St. Louis, MO, United States.
23. Vogts, T.R. (2022). The F-Word. No the Other One: Fighting Fake News [Conference presentation]. Fall JEA/NSPA National High School Journalism Convention, St. Louis, MO, United States.
24. Vogts, T.R. (2022). Editors Only! A Leadership Round-Table Discussion [Conference presentation]. Kansas Scholastic Press Association (KSPA) Fall Conference, Wichita State University, Wichita, KS, United States.
25. Vogts, T.R. (2022). Reeling in Readers: Writing Leads that Hook the Audience [Conference presentation]. Kansas Scholastic Press Association (KSPA) Fall Conference, Wichita State University, Wichita, KS, United States.
26. Vogts, T.R. (2021). Reporting and Coverage [Conference presentation]. Wichita State University Journalism Workshop, Wichita State University, Wichita, KS, United States.
27. Vogts, T.R. (2019). Incorporating News State Standards into the Journalism Classroom [Conference presentation]. Educational Services and Staff Development Association of Central Kansas (ESSDACK) Digital Media Project Management Workshop, Hutchinson, KS, United States.
28. Vogts, T.R. (2017). Integrating Technologies into the Classroom [Conference presentation]. Educational Services and Staff Development Association of Central Kansas (ESSDACK) Classroom Technology Workshop, Hutchinson, KS, United States.
29. Vogts, T.R. (2017). Engaging the Audience [Conference presentation]. Kansas Scholastic Press Association (KSPA) Fall Conference, Wichita State University, Wichita, KS, United States.
30. Vogts, T.R. (2017). Student Journalist of the Year [Conference presentation]. Kansas Scholastic Press Association (KSPA) Fall Conference, Wichita State University, Wichita, KS, United States.
31. Vogts, T.R. (2017). Project Management Institute Educational Foundation National Training [Conference presentation]. Educational Services and Staff Development Association of Central Kansas (ESSDACK) Project Management Workshop, Hutchinson, KS, United States.
32. Vogts, T.R. (2016). Student Journalist of the Year [Conference presentation]. Kansas Scholastic Press Association (KSPA) Fall Conference, Wichita State University, Wichita, KS, United States.
33. Vogts, T.R. (2016). Website 101: How & Why You Should Start an Online News Outlet [Conference presentation]. Kansas Scholastic Press Association (KSPA) Fall Conference, Wichita State University, Wichita, KS, United States.
34. Vogts, T.R. (2016). Project Management Institute Educational Foundation National Training [Conference presentation]. Educational Services and Staff Development Association of Central Kansas (ESSDACK) Project Management Workshop, Hutchinson, KS, United States.
35. Vogts, T.R. (2015). Project Management and English III [Keynote address]. Kingman High School Project Management Workshop, Kingman, KS, United States.
36. Vogts, T.R. (2015). Student Journalist of the Year [Conference presentation]. Kansas Scholastic Press Association (KSPA) Fall Conference, Fort Hays State University, Hays, KS, United States.
37. Vogts, T.R. (2015). The Blender: Project Management and Resource Scheduling [Conference presentation]. Kansas Scholastic Press Association (KSPA) Fall Conference, Fort Hays State University, Hays, KS, United States.
38. Vogts, T.R. (2015). Project Management and English III [Conference presentation]. Educational Services and Staff Development Association of Central Kansas (ESSDACK) Project Management Workshop, Hutchinson, KS, United States.
39. Vogts, T.R. (2014). Student Journalist of the Year [Conference presentation]. Kansas Scholastic Press Association (KSPA) Fall Conference, Fort Hays State University, Hays, KS, United States.
40. Vogts, T.R. (2013). Go Forth and Do Good [Commencement address]. Western Plains High School Graduation, Ransom, KS, United States.
41. Vogts, T.R. (2009). Social Media and Blogging [Panel session]. Kansas Press Association (KPA) Annual Convention, Wichita, KS, United States.

Edited & Industry Media

1. Groshek, J., & Vogts, T.R. (Hosts). (2025, November 20). Janvia Aggarwal - Rethinking Corporate Culture for Working Moms (No. 3). [Audio podcast episode]. In CoMMediators. A.Q. Miller School of Media and Communication at Kansas State University. https://open.spotify.com/episode/7HqAg8pC3dR5ChFd0mFPzL?si=GJ070gARRp2AbGHZ2tPidQ 
2. Vogts, T.R. (2024, July 25). Leverage AI for editorial cartoons, graphics. JEA Digital Media. https://jea.org/digital-media/leverage-ai-for-editorial-cartoons-graphics/ 
3. Vogts, T.R. (2024, July 15). ISWNE conference showcases strong state of local news. ISWNE Newsletter, 49(6), 19.
4. Vogts, T. R. (2023, September 5). Use Verity to help teach media literacy skills. JEA Digital Media. https://jea.org/digital-media/use-verity-to-help-teach-media-literacy-skills/ 
5. Vogts, T. R. (2023, May 16). Use ‘Radio Garden’ to inspire programming, develop cultural awareness. JEA Digital Media. https://jea.org/digital-media/use-radio-garden-to-inspire-programming-develop-cultural-awareness/
6. Vogts, T. R. (2023, April 4). Live365 brings student radio to life. JEA Digital Media.https://jea.org/digital-media/live365-brings-student-radio-to-life/
7. Vogts, T.R. (2022, November 8). ‘Great Thanksgiving Listen’ provides unique interviewing opportunity, practice. JEA Digital Media. https://jea.org/digital-media/great-thanksgiving-listen-provides-unique-interviewing-opportunity-practice/
8. Vogts, T.R. (2022, October 5). Mizzou offers teaching resources for journalism educators. JEA Digital Media. https://jea.org/digital-media/mizzou-offers-teaching-resources-for-journalism-educators/ 
9. Vogts, T.R. (2022, September 27). Kansas State Fair provides inspiration for unique, hands-on learning experience. JEA Digital Media. https://www.jeadigitalmedia.org/2022/09/27/ks-state-fair-provides-inspiration-for-unique-hands-on-learning-experience/ 
10. Vogts, T.R. (2022, June 21). KQED offers free media literacy training course aimed at educators. JEA Digital Media. https://jea.org/digital-media/kqed-offers-free-media-literacy-training-course-aimed-at-educators/ 
11. Vogts, T. R. (2022, April 29). NY Times Twitter ‘reset’ calls for curriculum review. JEA Digital Media.https://jea.org/digital-media/ny-times-twitter-reset-calls-for-curriculum-review/

TEACHING

Instructor of Record: Sterling College

• CM101 Public Speaking
• CM105 Introduction to Film Studies
• CM120 Introduction to Communication Studies
• CM153A Audio Lab
• CM153J Journalism Lab
• CM153PR Public Relations Lab
• CM207 Mass Media, Self and Society
• CM209 Mass Media Writing
• CM265 Principles of Journalism and Media
• CM289 Topics in Communication & Media — The Art and Theory of Persuasion
• CM289 Topics in Communication & Media — Freedom of Expression
• CM289 Topics in Communication & Media — Journalism in Film
• CM289 Topics in Communication & Media — Journalism History
• CM289 Topics in Communication & Media — Murders & Mysteries
• CM289 Topics in Communication & Media — Public Relations Theory
• CM311 Print Journalism
• CM312 Advanced Media Writing & Production
• CM319 Broadcast Journalism
• CM330 Sports Communication and Media
• CM336 Principles of Public Relations
• CM356 Web Design & Production
• CM410 Live Event Coverage
• CM420 Audience Persuasion & Engagement
• CM443 Media Law and Ethics
• CM485 Internship/Practicum
• CM490 Senior Project
• CM495 Communication and Media Seminar
• GD105 Foundations of Servant Leadership
• TA485 Practicum in Theatre

Instructor of Record: Wichita State University

• COMM 321 Introduction to Film Studies

SOFTWARE SKILLS

• Qualtrics (online survey software)
• NVivo (qualitative data analysis software)
• Atlas.ti (qualitative data analysis software)
• Meltwater (media monitoring and social listening software)
• Adobe Creative Cloud (InDesign, Photoshop, Lightroom, Audition, Premiere, etc.)
• Affinity Creative Software (Designer, Photo, Publisher)
• A/V Production (Audacity, GarageBand, iMovie, Final Cut Pro, DaVinci Resolve, etc.)
• iWorks (Pages, Numbers, Keynote)
• Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.)
• Google Productivity Tools (Drive, Docs, Sheets, Forms, Presentation, Classroom, Mail, Calendar, etc.)
• Social Media Tools (Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, etc.)
• Blogging/Website CMS (WordPress, Weebly, Wix, Medium, Tumblr)
• Podcasting Platforms (Anchor/Podcasters for Spotify, Podbean, etc.)
• Blackboard Learning Management System
• Canvas Learning Management System

PROFESSIONAL SERVICE

Active Manuscript Reviewer (peer-reviewed journals)

• Education, Citizenship and Social Justice
• Communication: Journalism Education Today
• Journalism Mass Communication Educator
• Newspaper Research Journal

Academic Committee Appointments

• Undergraduate Faculty Representative, Academic Affairs Committee at Sterling College. (2022-2025)
• Recording Chair & Undergraduate Faculty Representative, Faculty Council Committee at Sterling College. (2021-2023, 2024-2025)
• Undergraduate Faculty Mentor, Sterling College. (variable based upon need)
• Community Representative, Wichita State University Board of Student Publications. (2012-2016, 2022-2024)

Officer Positions

• Newsletter Editor, Newspaper & Online News Division (NOND) of the Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication (AEJMC). (2023-Present)
• Secretary, Wichita State University Board of Student Publications. (2025-Present)
• Chair, Wichita State University Board of Student Publications. (2016-2022, 2024-2025)
• Recording Chair, Faculty Council Committee at Sterling College. (2021-2023, 2024-2025)
• Second Vice President, Kansas Collegiate Media (KCM). (2021-2025)
• Area 1 Representative, Executive Board of Directors of the Kansas Scholastic Press Association (KSPA). (2013-2019)

Miscellaneous

• Coordinator, Kansas State Fair Scholastic Press Corps. (2020-Present) [link]
• Contest Judge, Journalism Education Association (JEA). (variable upon request)
• Contest Judge, Kansas Collegiate Media (KCM) / Kansas Associated Collegiate Press (KACP). (variable upon request)

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Academic Appointments

• Sterling College

• Assistant Professor of Media (2018-2026)
• Department Co-Chair (2023-2025)

• Wichita State University

• Instructor (2017-Present)

Journalism/Publishing/Media

• The Plains Pilot

• Editor & Publisher (2006-Present)

• Rural Research Institute

• President & CEO (2026-Present)

• AIxMedia Institute (formerly the Institute for Representation in Society and Media)

• Chief Technology Officer (2023-Present)

• Santa Fe Way Newspaper

• Columnist/Reporter (2021-Present)

• Strategic Book Group

• Author (2011-Present)

• Vogts, T. (2011). Murder at St. Alfanus. Strategic Book Group. (Amazon; Barnes & Noble)

• Lucky Se7en Mobile DJ Services                                                   

• Owner, Disc Jockey and Performer (2004-Present)

• Lucky 7 Publishing LLC & Wichita Family Magazine

• Owner & Publisher (2014-2020)

• The Ledger Newspaper

• Editor-In-Chief (2008-2009)

• The McPherson Sentinel

• Columnist (2007-2008)

• The Wichita State University Sunflower

• Editor-In-Chief  (2007-2008)
• Webmaster and Reporter (2006-2007)

• Central Kansas News Magazine                                                   

• Reporter and Photographer (2005-2006)

• Ad Astra Per Aspera Broadcasting

• Disc Jockey and Audio Technician (2005-2006)

AWARDS & HONORS

2025 International Society of Weekly Newspaper Editors (ISWNE)/Huck Boyd Research Competition

• Top Paper — Strengthening Community News

2024 International Society of Weekly Newspaper Editors (ISWNE)/Huck Boyd Research Competition

• Top Paper — Strengthening Community News

2024 Kansas Press Association (KPA) Awards of Excellence

• 3rd Place — Column Writing (Division II)

2023 Kansas Press Association (KPA) Awards of Excellence

• 2nd Place — Column Writing (Division II)

MEMBERSHIPS & AFFILIATIONS

International Society of Weekly Newspaper Editors (ISWNE)

• Member since 2024

Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication (AEJMC)

• Member since 2018
• Division and Interest Group Affiliations: 

• Newspaper & Online News
• Scholastic Journalism
• Community Journalism
• Participatory Journalism
• Small Programs

Journalism Education Association (JEA)

• Member since 2010
• Certified Journalism Educator (CJE) since 2015
• JEA Critique Certified since 2019
• Master Journalism Educator (MJE) since 2022

Kansas School Public Relations Association (KanSPRA)

• Member 2011-2012

Kappa Tau Alpha National Honor Society

• Member since 2018

Phi Kappa Phi National Honor Society

• Member since 2022

Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ)

• Member since 2018

ET CETERA

Community Involvement & Volunteerism

• Moundridge Public Library Board — Moundridge, Kansas
• Moundridge Arts Council — Moundridge, Kansas
• Sons of the American Legion — Post 192, Canton, Kansas
• American Legion Riders — Chapter 128, Sterling, Kansas
• American Cancer Society Relay for Life — Ness County, Kansas
• Ransom City, Nevada Township Fire Department — Ransom, Kansas
• American Legion Boys State of Kansas Leadership Academy — State of Kansas
• American Cancer Society Relay for Life — McPherson County, Kansas

Additional Graduate Credits

• MidAmerica Nazarene University, Olathe, Kansas

• Graduate Course — Project Management/English 11: Learning by Doing (Summer 2015)
• Credits Earned: 2

• Wichita State University, Wichita, Kansas

• Graduate Course — Seminar: Self Assessment & Inquiry (Summer 2014)
• Credits Earned: 3

• University of Nevada-Reno, Reno, Nevada

• Graduate Course — Special Topics Professional Practice Journalism (Summer 2010)
• Credits Earned: 3

Completed Training of Note

• Kansas Leadership Center (KLC), Wichita, Kansas

• Teaching Leadership Conference (June 2016)
• Your Leadership Edge (September 2013)

• Educational Services and Staff Development Association of Central Kansas (ESSDACK), Hutchinson, Kansas

• Project Management Institute for Education Foundation National Training (November 2015)