Mealand Ragland Hudgins
About Mealand Ragland Hudgins
Mealand Ragland Hudgins serves as the Assistant Director of Planning for the South Region at Gannett | USA TODAY NETWORK, where he has worked since 2003. Based in Nashville, Tennessee, he has extensive experience in journalism and community reporting.
Work at Gannett
Mealand Ragland Hudgins has held the position of Assistant Director, Planning for the South Region at Gannett since 2003. Based in Nashville, Tennessee, Hudgins has been integral to the USA TODAY NETWORK for over 21 years. In this role, Hudgins oversees planning initiatives and collaborates with various teams to enhance content delivery across the network. Additionally, Hudgins served as the lead reporter for the launch of Smyrna A.M. in 2007, contributing to the expansion of local news coverage.
Education and Expertise
Mealand Ragland Hudgins earned a Bachelor of Science degree in News-Editorial Journalism from Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU), where studies included minors in Political Science and Writing. Hudgins attended MTSU from 1998 to 2003, gaining a solid foundation in journalism principles and practices. Prior to this, Hudgins completed an Honors Diploma at Tyner High School in Chattanooga, TN, from 1994 to 1998. This educational background supports Hudgins' expertise in reporting and planning within the media landscape.
Background
Mealand Ragland Hudgins has a strong background in journalism and community reporting. Hudgins has experience in accurately reporting on decisions made by governing bodies, specifically focusing on the Murfreesboro City and Rutherford County schools. This experience has provided valuable insights into the impact of local governance on education and community affairs. Additionally, Hudgins has assisted with the layout of two weekly publications and a daily newspaper edition, showcasing skills in both writing and visual presentation.
Responsibilities and Coverage Areas
In the role of Assistant Director, Planning, Mealand Ragland Hudgins is responsible for coordinating visuals, graphics, and videos for stories related to education and community events. Hudgins covers significant events impacting the Smyrna and La Vergne areas, focusing on business, government, schools, and civic organizations. This role involves collaborating with various stakeholders to ensure comprehensive coverage of local issues and events, thereby enhancing community engagement through informed reporting.