About The Wright State Guardian
The Wright State Guardian is the official student-run news organization of Wright State University in Dayton, Ohio. It operates as a fully digital publication and publishes new content daily. The Guardian serves readers across Wright State’s two campuses and the surrounding 16-county “Raider Country” region of western Ohio, providing a direct source of campus and community news for the university community.
The Guardian’s core job is straightforward: report what is happening, explain why it matters, and document the life of the university in a way students can use. That means covering decision-making, policy changes, campus safety updates, student life, athletics, arts and entertainment, and the practical issues that shape day-to-day life for a commuter-heavy campus.
The Guardian treats student media work as professional practice. Students learn to report, edit, produce and publish on deadline, with roles that mirror a professional newsroom.
Newsroom and mailing address
3640 Colonel Glenn Hwy
015 Student Union
Dayton, OH 45435-0001
History and evolution
The Guardian published its first issue on March 19, 1965, predating Wright State’s establishment as an independent university in 1967. At the time, the Dayton campus was still a branch of The Ohio State University and Miami University. For the next five decades, the paper ran as a traditional weekly student newspaper in print.
By its final print volume in spring 2017, The Guardian had produced 53 annual volumes. After ending print, the newsroom shifted to an entirely online, digital-first model. The change was framed publicly as a student-led decision shaped by how students consume news and by the practical costs of print production.
Shortly after the move online, the publication rebranded under the banner of The Wright State Guardian Media Group, reflecting an expansion beyond traditional print news. The result was a broader publishing footprint: written reporting supported by photo galleries, video and podcast-style programming, plus student-focused publications such as Flight Magazine and the rebirth of the Nexus Literary Journal. The publication also rebranded its business and advertising department as G Brand Studio.
Coverage and mission
The Wright State Guardian’s coverage centers on campus news, student life and issues relevant to the Wright State community, while also examining topics that impact college students in the broader Miami Valley region of Ohio. Regular reporting ranges from university governance and academic developments to local events and student organization activities.
The Guardian also covers arts and entertainment, athletics, and cultural topics, reflecting the interests and concerns of the student body. Coverage extends to Wright State’s Lake Campus in Celina, Ohio. In 2019, the Guardian launched a Laker Life presence and began building a reporting team focused on Lake Campus stories.
As a student-run outlet, the Guardian describes itself as editorially independent from the university administration. Its newsroom is managed and staffed by students, including editors, reporters, photographers, designers and multimedia producers. The newsroom frames its work as factual reporting and open discourse, with an emphasis on reporting that is useful to students.
How the newsroom works
Use the Guardian’s tips form to submit story ideas, tips and newsworthy information directly to the newsroom. News releases and press advisories are reviewed by editors and routed as appropriate. Submission does not guarantee coverage.
Advertising inquiries are directed to the managing editor for digital content and sales. If you need rates, scheduling and specs, start with the contact page and the ad pathways it provides.
Awards and recognition
After revitalizing its digital presence, The Wright State Guardian earned statewide recognition through professional journalism and news media organizations. The Guardian received Ohio News Media Association honors in 2019 and a Society of Professional Journalists award for Best Daily College Newspaper in Ohio in 2020.
Awards are part of the story, but not the whole story. The Guardian’s larger impact is the public record it creates: campus decisions, student experiences, wins and losses, hard seasons and good seasons documented over decades.
Coverage about The Guardian and student journalism
Read past editions
Wright State University Libraries’ CORE Scholar hosts Guardian editions dating back to 1965. Use the archive hub to browse by issue and year, or jump into decade collections.
Author, A. A. (Year, Month Day). Title of article. The Wright State Guardian. URL
Author Last Name, First Name. “Title of Article.” The Wright State Guardian, Day Month Year, URL. Accessed Day Month Year.
Join the Guardian
The Guardian describes opportunities for Wright State students interested in reporting, editing, photography, design, advertising, marketing and multimedia. If you want to join, start with the contact page or the Engage listing and ask where the newsroom needs help right now.
