Her Story
About Hannah
Hannah Claywell is an accomplished journalist and editor-in-chief with a strong background in multimedia journalism, political reporting, and editorial leadership. Currently serving as Editor-in-Chief of the Muleskinner at the University of Central Missouri while pursuing a master's degree in Communication, she has quickly established herself as an emerging leader in student media. Her journalism career began at Northwest Missouri State University, where she advanced from news reporter to editor-in-chief in just a few years, leading award-winning newsroom teams and mentoring aspiring journalists.
Claywell earned a bachelor's degree in Criminology and Mass Media with an emphasis in Multimedia Journalism from Northwest Missouri State University. Throughout her collegiate career, she accumulated more than 250 published bylines and contributed to over 80 print editions while earning numerous individual and team journalism awards. Her expertise spans political reporting, investigative and community journalism, multimedia storytelling, video production, newsroom management, and editorial strategy. She is recognized for her commitment to ethical reporting, collaborative leadership, and developing innovative approaches to digital and print journalism.
Driven by integrity, compassion, and a passion for public service, Claywell is dedicated to producing accurate, unbiased reporting that gives a voice to the communities she serves. She credits her success to perseverance, supportive mentors, and a willingness to embrace challenges outside her comfort zone. As the journalism industry continues to evolve, she remains committed to advancing transparency, engaging younger audiences, and preparing for a long-term career with a major news organization while continuing to mentor the next generation of journalists.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Hannah
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to hard work, perseverance, and a willingness to push myself beyond my comfort zone. Although I was very shy growing up, I intentionally developed the confidence to become more outgoing and embrace leadership opportunities. I am also grateful for the unwavering support of my parents and the guidance of exceptional collegiate mentors who challenged me, held me to high standards, and encouraged me to grow both personally and professionally.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I have received is to try everything, especially in journalism. Stepping outside my comfort zone by taking on assignments such as sports reporting, video production, and multimedia storytelling has expanded my skills and made me a more versatile journalist. Being willing to embrace new challenges, even when they seem intimidating, has been one of the most valuable lessons in my career.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering the industry is "Just do it!."
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Journalism is experiencing significant challenges, including shrinking newsroom budgets, industry layoffs, and increasing financial pressures on newspapers. As a Hispanic woman working in Missouri, I have also encountered challenges related to representation within the profession. At the same time, I see tremendous opportunities to help represent underserved communities, connect with younger audiences who increasingly value trustworthy journalism, and meet the growing demand for transparency and accountability in news reporting.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Integrity and compassion are the values that guide both my professional and personal life. I believe it is essential to remain honest, ethical, and unbiased while reporting the facts, ensuring that personal opinions never influence my work. At the same time, I approach every story with empathy, recognizing that I am often telling the experiences of real people facing difficult situations, and I strive to represent their voices accurately, respectfully, and with compassion.
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