Kay Phillips, Ph.D, and Dean Charles Bierbauer were two pillars of scholastic journalism and the Southern Interscholastic Press Association. Phillips, remembered for her passion for student journalism, was a lifelong advocate for media literacy and higher education. In recognition of her contributions, SIPA honors educational leaders who uphold student media with the Dr. Kay Phillips Administrator of the Year Award, given at SIPA’s annual Convention. Her leadership and compassion helped shape countless young storytellers, and her legacy continues to uplift generations of student journalists. 

Bierbauer, founding dean of the University of South Carolina’s College of Information and Communications, shared his decades of journalistic experience with advisers and students at SIPA. He was a regular participant at the annual convention, always cheerfully interacting with advisers and students as well as bidding in the silent auction to support SIPA programs. Phillips and Bierbauer believed deeply in the mission of scholastic media, a mission supported by the SIPA Endowment, which provides critical funding to programs for student journalists. 

Bierbauer, 83, and Phillips, 86, both passed away Aug. 29 in North Carolina. Their families shared these obituaries: Bierbauer, Phillips. The College of Information and Communications shared this tribute to Bierbauer. Bierbauer’s family requests that memorials go to the Charles Bierbauer Scholarship. Phillips’ family requests that memorials go to the North Carolina Scholastic Media Association. 

SIPA appreciates the many and long contributions both of these educators have given to our organization and others with missions to support education and journalism.