Noah Williford, a sophomore majoring in Communication Studies and The Appalachian’s Photo Editor, contributed photographs for an article that was published in The Washington Post on September 25, 2025. The article titled “The romantic, deeply alluring, cultural force of the log cabin” was written by COM Lecturer Chris Moody. Moody and Williford first met in the spring of 2025 at ProCon25, a national conference held by the College Media Association in New York City; Moody was asked to speak at the conference and Williford was invited to attend on behalf of The Appalachian. When Moody got word that the log cabin article would not have a photographer assigned, he suggested to his editor that Williford, who is currently enrolled in Moody’s COM 2610 News Writing and Reporting class, shoot the photographs. The editor reviewed Williford’s photography and was ultimately pleased with the photographs taken of the subject matter.
Having served The Appalachian as a Staff Photographer and Photo Editor, this was by far the biggest opportunity in Williford’s journalistic career. From the start, Williford knew his photographs weren’t guaranteed to be published. This led to feelings of nervousness and wondering if the quality of his photographs would meet the standard for publishing. To push through and focus on the work ahead, Williford tried to treat this opportunity like any other shoot and continued to remind himself that the quality of work displayed in his portfolio is what led the editor to consider his photographs for the article. Willford noted that the editors at The Washington Post were very understanding of his inexperience of their process and procedures and were a great resource to him; the editors were willing to help him throughout the process and promptly answered any of his questions, which in turn allowed Willford to operate at the high level of industry standards.
“To have a byline in a publication like that is a huge asset in so many ways. It makes your resume look better, it makes applications look better, it shows to other professionals that you are a professional journalist and therefore opens the door to other freelance opportunities. This feature I think will wind up being something that benefits me in dividends and for that I am incredibly grateful.” - Noah Williford, a sophomore Communication Studies major
To have creative work published in a national newspaper as a sophomore is an impressive accomplishment, and it speaks to the nature of the relationships that are fostered between the faculty and students within The Department of Communication. Williford shared, “The classes that the Department of Communication offer I think are best at preparing you for the interaction you’ll have with other professionals. The most vital information they give is how to pitch, how to cooperate and how to work in a way that both makes you marketable to future employers and makes you highly adept at the work you’ll be doing.” When asked what readers could expect from him next, this is what Williford had to say: “Just more on the grindstone. We’re in full swing production wise at The Appalachian, so it’s been lots of management for the photo desk and trying to find ways to make that work as good as it can be. With that too, I’ve jumped head first into internship applications for the summer, which is always a doozy. Whatever I can do to get better at the work I create is what I hope to be doing.” Williford encourages everyone to support your student journalists, support your local journalists, and read The Appalachian.
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About The Appalachian
The Appalachian has been Appalachian State University’s independent student-run news publication since 1934. We publish a print publication monthly, and send out twice weekly email newsletters during the regular academic year. We are the recipient of the ACP Pacemaker Award, the CMA Pinnacle Award and the NC College Media Association Best of Show award. Learn more at https://theappalachianonline.com/
About the Department of Communication
One of seven departments housed in the College of Fine and Applied Arts, the Department of Communication at Appalachian State University focuses on preparing students to succeed in the varied fields within the communication industry. The department offers five majors – Advertising, Communication Studies, Electronic Media/Broadcasting, Digital Journalism, and Public Relations – and a minor in Communication Studies. Graduates work in a wide range of positions in media, corporate, agency, government, and nonprofit organizations.
About the College of Fine and Applied Arts
Appalachian State University’s College of Fine and Applied Arts is a dynamic and innovative group of seven academic departments, bringing together a variety of perspectives, experiences, and real-world education to provide unique opportunities for student success. The college has more than 3,500 undergraduate and graduate majors. Its departments are Applied Design, Art, Communication, Military Science and Leadership, Sustainable Development, Sustainable Technology and the Built Environment, and Theatre and Dance. Learn more at https://cfaa.appstate.edu
About Appalachian State University
As the premier public undergraduate institution in the Southeast, Appalachian State University prepares students to lead purposeful lives as global citizens who understand and engage their responsibilities in creating a sustainable future for all. The Appalachian Experience promotes a spirit of inclusion that brings people together in inspiring ways to acquire and create knowledge, to grow holistically, to act with passion and determination, and to embrace diversity and difference. Located in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Appalachian is one of 17 campuses in the University of North Carolina System. Appalachian enrolls nearly 21,570 students, has a low student-to-faculty ratio, and offers more than 150 undergraduate and graduate majors.
Noah Williford and The Washington Post Article
