MCJ professors inspire student journalists

Kim Stephens and Faith Sidlow have been a part of Fresno State’s Media, Communications and Journalism department for years, passing down their knowledge of the industry to their students. However, before becoming professors these women had great broadcast careers.

Sidlow worked as a reporter, anchor, and producer for the Fresno NBC affiliate for 28 years. She made a name for herself in the industry and is a well-known award-winning broadcast journalist. Sidlow became a part of the Fresno State’s MCJ family in 2009, touching the hearts and minds of her students.

“I joke with her all the time saying that my degree should have her name next to it too, because the whole reason why I am a Fresno State Bulldog is because of Faith Sidlow,” said Fresno State Focus reporter Marc Anthony Lopez.

Stephens started her career in Bakersfield where she anchored and reported for KERO-TV. She worked her way up the ranks and eventually found her final home as a co-host for Great Day on KMPH Fox 26.

Stephens has won numerous awards and recognitions for her work. The city of Fresno even made December 18th “Kim Stephens Day.” Stephens started teaching aspiring journalists at Fresno State in 2015.

“Kim is a huge influence on me. Her classes I took for MCJ last semester really wanted me to just get into it and learn a lot more than I ever knew that I had to know to be in MCJ and communications,” said Fresno State Focus reporter Tyler Van Dyke.

Both women go above and beyond the average professor. They care for and encourage their students to reach their full potential no matter what.

“They have given us so much support, their best interest is always us and our future careers. And making sure we learn something for every opportunity that we have. They’re a blessing to work with because they teach us something new every single day,” said Fresno State Focus reporter Holly Cassina.