The Student Press Law Center is thrilled to welcome Elizabeth Dickson as the organization’s new development director.
Dickson, a former student journalist, brings almost a decade of fundraising experience and will help strengthen SPLC’s support of student journalists at a time when they face unprecedented challenges and opportunities to report on their campuses and communities.
“We are beyond excited to have Elizabeth join the team to help us strengthen our relationships and expand support for SPLC’s critical work,” Executive Director Gary Green said. “As we celebrate SPLC’s 50 incredible years of legal support and advocacy, Elizabeth’s dedication to supporting the next generation of journalists will help ensure that SPLC is around for the next 50 years to fight for their First Amendment rights.”
Dickson joins SPLC from the Center for Democracy & Technology, where she was associate director of development and external Affairs. She also spent eight years in fundraising roles at Freedom Forum and the former Newseum.
Her journey in journalism began early, serving as a staff writer and later editor-in-chief for student newspaper The Medinamite at Medina High School in Medina, Ohio. She earned a journalism degree from Ohio University, where she contributed as a staff writer for The Post student newspaper and the alumni magazine Ohio Today. Elizabeth spent her first year out of college as a news reporter for the Coshocton Tribune, a daily newspaper in Coshocton, Ohio, covering everything from crime to human interest stories.
Dickson is a strong advocate for student journalists and press freedom.
“As a former student journalist, I want to ensure that current and future generations of students have the opportunity to exercise their First Amendment rights, especially that of a free press,” she said. “SPLC serves a vital role in promoting, supporting and defending the rights of student journalists, and I am excited to champion these efforts. I look forward to connecting with SPLC’s partners and supporters and bringing more awareness to this important work.”
This new position is generously supported by a three-year grant from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation to bolster SPLC’s support for student journalists who are increasingly filling the gaps in local news for millions of Americans.