Tracy Simmons

Tracy Simmons serves as Associate Professor and Professor of Practice at Washington State University's Edward R. Murrow College of Communication, specializing in the Journalism & Media Production department. With over 20 years of award-winning journalism experience, she bridges academic instruction with real-world media entrepreneurship.

• M.A. in Communication from Eastern New Mexico University (2003)

Her research critically examines the intersection of journalism, religion, and technology, with particular focus on media literacy in the digital age. Simmons directs significant research initiatives including a $5 million mixed-methods study on COVID-19's impact on U.S. congregations, revealing pandemic-driven innovations in religious communities. Her work consistently addresses pressing societal issues through the lens of religious reporting and media innovation.

Analysis of her recent publications shows strong thematic continuity in religious reporting, media entrepreneurship, and crisis communication. Her work spans academic journals, national news outlets, and multimedia platforms, demonstrating exceptional versatility across traditional and emerging media formats while maintaining rigorous journalistic standards.

• 2019 LION Finalist for Best Business Plan
• 2017 AEJMC C-SPAN Fellow
• 2016 Walter Cronkite Fellow
• Multiple Religion Newswriters Association awards
• American Academy of Religion Award for Best In-Depth Reporting on Religion

As founder and executive director of FāVS.News (formerly SpokaneFAVS.com), Simmons has created a vital platform for religion news and commentary that serves as both a community resource and living laboratory for media entrepreneurship. Her $5 million congregational impact study demonstrates substantial grant acquisition capability while addressing critical contemporary issues at the intersection of public health and religious practice. Through her teaching of courses like Religion Reporting and Multimedia Journalism, she actively mentors the next generation of journalists in specialized reporting fields.