Michael McKisson
3021 W. San Juan Terrace, Tucson, AZ 85713
michael@michaelmckisson.com • 520-623-0578
EDUCATION
University of Arizona,Tucson, Ariz.
B.A. in journalism, expected May 2008 • Cumulative 3.6/4.0 GPA
Relevant coursework: online journalism, computer assisted reporting, advanced photojournalism, reporting public affairs and television production
Pima Community College,Tucson, Ariz.
Certificate for transfer to Arizona Universities, Dec. 2005
EXPERIENCE
Arizona Daily Star, Tucson, Ariz., Dec. 2005 – present
Assistant online content producer for AZStarNet.com
• Updates the Web site with breaking news such as the fall of Tucson mortgage company First Magnus
• Works closely with sports, news, photo and features departments for publication of alternative presentations and special reports including the 2007 high school football special section in a first of its kind presentation
• Produces slide shows, audio slide shows, videos, polls and multimedia presentations including presentations about the sale of the Sidewinders baseball team, University of Arizona basketball press conference videos and the 2007 University of Arizona football online section
• Moderates user-submitted comments
Borderbeat.net, Tucson, Ariz., Spring 2008
Multimedia reporter for University of Arizona journalism department Web site
• Produced audio slide shows, videos and interactive maps including a special multimedia project about a Mexican girl who has Cerebral Palsy and receives treatment at a clinic in the United States
• Led the redesign of the Web site which focused on reader usability and visual appearance
• Assisted reporters with producing multimedia projects including an interactive map documenting restaurants reviewed by site staffers
Aztec Press, Tucson, Ariz., Fall 2005
Editor-in-chief for the Pima Community College newspaper
• Led a staff of 20 in the production of a bi-weekly college newspaper and guided inexperienced staff through legal and ethical issues
• Edited staff stories prior to publication
• Wrote editorials and news stories including a story about a staff member who was fired after making a threatening comment
• Photographed news and sports events including baseball, softball and soccer
AWARDS & MEMBERSHIP
Excellence in Online Journalism Award, University of Arizona, Spring 2007
• An award to one student who demonstrates excellence in online journalism
D.C. “Darn Cat” Gordon Scholarship, University of Arizona, Spring 2007
• A scholarship named for UA journalism graduates Mildred and Gordon Gordon
Arizona Student Media Advisory Board, University of Arizona, Fall 2007-Spring 2008
• A voting member of the advisory board which was primarily responsible for hiring leadership positions for the University of Arizona's student run media outlets
SKILLS
Language – Functional in Spanish
Computer – HTML, CSS, Final Cut Pro, Photoshop, Dreamweaver, Soundslides, Audacity, Excel and Access. Work with both Mac and PC platforms
Multimedia hardware – Proficient in using video, photo and audio recording equipment
MORE LINKS
• Audio slide show: Step team
• Audio slide show: Celtic festival
• Audio slide show: All Souls Procession
• Video: Athlete trains for Beijing Paralympics
• Design: SpaceU
• Photography
• Special project: Ropin' and Ridin' at the Tucson Rodeo (with videos and audio slide show)
• Barrio Hollywood's Fiesta Grande (with photos and Google Earth video)
• Video: Copa Bud Light Soccer Tournament
• Story: Sewer odor complaints spreading over town