Jacksonville University’s Aquarian Earns National Recognition at College Mediafest

Jacksonville University's student literary magazine, Aquarian, earned national recognition at the College Media Association's College Mediafest conference, placing fourth in the "Best in Show" category. The award recognizes general excellence in literary magazine design and content, placing Aquarian alongside publications from much larger universities across the country.

Editor-in-Chief Jonah Crane, Assistant Editor Sky Kalleres, and faculty co-advisor Professor Chris Dew represented Jacksonville University at the conference, where they attended panels and presentations to strengthen the publication's creative and administrative practices.

Dr. Chris Corbo, dean of the Linda Berry Stein College of Arts & Sciences, celebrated the recognition. "We are incredibly proud of the Aquarian team for earning fourth in the nation at College Mediafest," Corbo said. "This honor, earned alongside much larger institutions, reflects the exceptional talent of our students and the dedicated mentorship of Professors Chris Dew and Nick McNally. Aquarian continues to embody the transformative, hands-on learning that defines the Stein College of Arts & Sciences."

For more than five decades, Aquarian has showcased the artistic and literary talent of Jacksonville University students. Open to all majors, the publication provides hands-on experience in editing, design, and creative direction.

Dr. Julie Brannon, chair of the Humanities, praised the achievement as another example of JU's thriving creative community. "For 53 years, Aquarian has reflected the joy, curiosity and passion of our students," she said. "This recognition reinforces the incredible work our students and faculty do to elevate the arts on our campus."

Tiffany Leach, chair of Fine Arts in the School of Fine Arts and Humanities, said the recognition highlights the strength of JU's creative programs. "When I heard the exciting news about the national finish, I was both proud and thrilled for our students and faculty," Leach said. "This award celebrates not only the efforts of today's team but also the generations of students and faculty who have shaped Aquarian over the past 53 years. It's a testament to a legacy of creativity, dedication and excellence that continues to thrive."

The magazine continues to serve as an incubator for emerging writers and artists, offering students a platform to publish their original work. Aquarian is currently accepting submissions for its 2026 issue.