Marissa Lacey earns Troy’s top journalism award

MADISON – Marissa J. Lacey of Madison has earned the “Outstanding Senior in Journalism and Communication Award” at Troy University.

Lacey was among the students recognized for achievements in academics, leadership and service during Troy’s annual Honors Convocation on April 17. Troy alumnus and Board of Trustee member Forrest Latta served as keynote speaker.

“I was incredibly honored to learn that I had won this award. I felt as though all the hard work that I put in had paid off,” Lacey said. She is an alumna of James Clemens High School.

Lacey had no doubt about her college major. “I knew right off the bat that I wanted to major in broadcast journalism,” she said. “It was an international school so I felt like I would learn a lot about culture and how to communicate within a diverse setting so I saw the university as the perfect opportunity for me.”

“I had been working at the radio station for four years now and seeing that the professors unanimously voted for me to get this award due to my hard work in the classroom and outside the classroom made me feel like I was in the right direction,” Lacey said.

“I really love talking, and I really enjoy spreading information,” Lacey said about her field.

In other pursuits, Lacey participated in the U.S. Air Force ROTC program for two years. “My original goal was to commission after graduation through the program, but plans changed,” she said.

She accumulated a multitude of awards through Air Force ROTC, mainly focusing in honors, leadership and knowledge. In broadcasting, Lacey received the Southeastern Journalism Conference or SEJC award for “Best Radio Host” for 2021 and 2023.

In addition to her studies, Lacey has been working for Troy Public Radio. “One specific success that I’ll never forget was the first time I heard myself on the radio,” Lacey said. “I do love to talk, but I also feel that I’m annoying. So, being able to hear myself was interesting.”

“Starting after graduation, I will be working at WHNT 19 News as a producer. Although I specialize in radio, producing for television station is another thing that I get to learn about, and I’m extremely excited to broaden my experiences in journalism,” Lacey said.

“I really enjoy making music: writing, producing, singing, all of it,” Lacey said. “I don’t have much free time, but, when I do, it’s usually music related or TV related. I’m a huge movie nerd.”

Marissa’s parents are Mark and Dr. Melissa Lacey.