Skye Witley, a senior studying Journalism at American University School of Communication (AU SOC), has been named the winner of the 2022 AU SOC White House Correspondents’ Investigative Journalism scholarship.

Witley is an editor and reporter for The Eagle, AU’s student newspaper. His campus coverage ranged from discovering counterfeit KN95 respirators to the alleged sexual misconduct of a youth chaplain. He is currently interning for the Durango Herald, covering the Colorado delegation in Congress. The Olympia, Washington, native aspires to be an investigative environmental journalist. Witley sings in an a capella group and carries a 4.0 GPA.

Judges were impressed with Witley’s essay, "Wading Dark Waters," about the state of investigative journalism today. Professor Chris Halsne, Investigative Broadcaster in Residence, who oversaw the competition, noted Witley clearly understands the importance of shining light on secrets of powerful people and institutions, a tenet of journalism programs at AU. Judges also thought his investigative work on campus was “powerful” and “professional.”

“We were so proud of our entries, ranging from research papers by undergraduates to in-depth projects by graduates,” said the director of SOC's Journalism division, Amy Eisman. “It was a tough competition. Even then, Skye's professionalism stood out.” 

This is the fourth year the School of Communication has been a part of the White House Correspondents’ Association Scholarship program. The WHCA started helping journalism students in 1991 and has awarded more than $1.5 million in scholarships.