Journalist-in-residence Raynor inspires versatility in hands-on course

Artificial Intelligence, new media platforms, and evolving reading habits may be rapidly reshaping the field of journalism but, according to William & Mary’s Journalist-in-Residence Grace Raynor, one thing remains constant: “If you can write, you can do anything.”

Raynor’s hands-on, nuts-and-bolts approach to reporting, writing, and peer editing are hallmarks of INTR 390, Writing for Media, a new course this fall that will be taught again by Raynor in spring 2026.

Learning to write clearly, concisely, and in one’s own voice are keys to succeeding in journalism – or any field for that matter, according to Raynor. “It’s really a foundational skill to have,” she said. “If you have a foundation as a competent writer, you can be successful in any field.”

Raynor always knew she wanted to pursue a career in sports journalism. Since graduating from The University of North Carolina in 2015, she has held various reporting positions and currently serves as a staff writer for The Athletic, covering recruiting and southeastern college football.

The opportunity to share her passion for journalism through teaching has been a lifelong dream.

“It’s always been a bucket list item for me to teach,” Raynor said. “It’s a small class of just 13, and it’s been so rewarding to work with such smart, curious students who are like sponges absorbing everything.”

The course provides students with practical learning experiences throughout the semester that broaden the diversity of their journalistic abilities in areas from news and event reporting to broadcasting and opinion writing.

“I really wanted it to be as hands-on as possible and to give students real journalism experience,” Raynor said. “I’m very excited to see William & Mary exploring these classes, as there is such a hunger among students to pursue journalism opportunities on campus.”

One course assignment involved reporting on the W&M Student Assembly election, with students interviewing voters and candidates as if it were a national political contest. Another assignment pitted students against one another in a cutthroat in-class trivia tournament, after which students reported on the outcomes.

As a capstone to the semester, students wrote feature stories on topics of their choosing. Topics included a Democratic congressional hopeful in Illinois and his experience with gun violence, a deep look into federal DEI policies, one W&M student’s plan to inspire change, and several features on Williamsburg community members, W&M professors, and administrators.

Raynor also highlighted the importance of writers who can adapt their craft across different mediums, as the rise of digital media and artificial intelligence redefine media literacy.

“Skilled writers are extremely valuable right now, especially as we learn to navigate this very new landscape of media,” she said.

To offer as wide a range of perspectives as possible, Raynor invited several expert practitioners to speak to the class. Guests included sports reporters Nicole Auerbach (NBC) and Brooke Pryor (ESPN) and Daily Press Opinion Editor Brian Colligan.

Raynor emphasized that the course provides an optimal space for aspiring W&M journalists to freely explore their own creativity and gain written skills applicable to any profession. By the end of the semester, students have expanded their portfolios, which will better position them for internships or positions in the field.

“Versatility is at a premium,” Raynor said. “If you’re a student who thinks you may even be remotely interested in journalism, try it out now. This class is a creative environment to take risks and learn.”

Writing for Media is one of several undergraduate journalism courses now offered through the Charles Center, including INTR 471-72, the year-long Sharp Journalism Seminar, and CRWR 476, Immersive Narration in Nonfiction, taught through the Department of English by Sharp Writer-in-Residence David A. Price in spring 2026.

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