Journalist & Communicator

Paige Elizabeth
Hayes

Bilingual journalist covering courts, education, and public policy. Currently reporting at the Missouri School of Journalism with international experience in Barcelona.

paigehayes2516@gmail.com LinkedIn View Work ↓

Selected Work

10 Clips
Courts

Cadilac Derrick Trial Opens With Lawyers Disputing Whether Homicides Were Self-Defense

Columbia Missourian·September 2024

Opening statements in a high-profile double-murder trial where prosecutors argued the fatal shooting of two women followed months of threatening messages, while the defense contended the killings were in self-defense.

Courts

Prosecution in Cadilac Derrick Trial Says Defendant Shot and Killed the Two Victims

Columbia Missourian·September 2024

Day-two trial coverage as state prosecutors called ten witnesses including police officers, crime scene investigators, and forensic scientists to argue Derrick fired five shots in nine seconds, killing both victims.

K-12 Education

A Couple of Hitches Later, Hallsville Voters to Decide Four-Day School Week, Bond Issue

Columbia Missourian·November 2025

Pre-election coverage of two ballot measures forcing Hallsville voters to revisit a four-day school week and a $6.5 million bond issue after both got caught up in state law technicalities.

K-12 Education

Two Mile Prairie Opens Caroline's Closet to Help Self-Care, Mental Health

Columbia Missourian·October 2025

Feature on a Columbia elementary school's new self-care closet built as a memorial to Caroline Earhart, a 14-year-old who died after struggles with her mental health, designed to support student wellbeing.

Higher Education

Sealed Settlement to Be Filed in Trans Lawsuit Against UM Board of Curators

Columbia Missourian·September 2024

Coverage of a court-approved sealed settlement in a high-stakes lawsuit brought by a transgender minor against the University of Missouri System Board of Curators over gender-affirming care policies.

Science & Technology

From Crop Monitoring to Cancer-Fighting Proteins, Mizzou Expands AI Research Across Campus

Columbia Missourian·February 2026

In-depth feature on how Mizzou faculty and students are deploying artificial intelligence across agriculture, medicine, and beyond as the university builds a coordinated AI research strategy.

Higher Education

Mizzou Students Gain Hands-On Experience Working in Child Development Lab

Columbia Missourian·January 2026

Feature on Mizzou's Child Development Laboratory, where 20-28 practicum students each semester gain hands-on experience observing and assessing pre-K children, infants, and toddlers under faculty mentorship.

K-12 Education

Santulli Family Visits Mizzou as 'Danny's Law' Goes Into Effect

Columbia Missourian·August 2025

Coverage of the family behind Missouri's new anti-hazing law returning to campus as the legislation takes effect, with Mizzou's Interfraternity Council screening a documentary on Danny Santulli's story.

Community

Hindu Dussehra Celebration Brings Community Together at Local Farm

Columbia Missourian·October 2024

Feature on a Columbia turmeric farm hosting more than 200 residents for a traditional Hindu holiday celebration marking the defeat of the demon king Ravana, told through prayer, food, and community.

Feature

Mizzou Alumna Designs Official Art for 2024 U.S. Open

Columbia Missourian·August 2024

Profile of Chelsey Farris, a 2013 Mizzou alumna who became the first American woman selected to design the official theme art for the U.S. Open tennis tournament.

About

Paige Elizabeth Hayes

Journalist. Bilingual communicator. Storyteller.

I'm a graduating senior at the University of Missouri's School of Journalism, where I've spent four years practicing the Missouri Method — learning journalism by doing it in real newsrooms with real deadlines and real consequences.

My reporting has spanned courts, education, international affairs, and sports communications. As a courts reporter at the Columbia Missourian, I covered civil and criminal proceedings on daily deadline. As a K-12 reporter, I investigated public school policy and youth culture. At FUNIBER in Barcelona, Spain, I created bilingual content for global audiences.

I hold dual degrees in Journalism and Political Science with minors in Spanish and History. I'm fluent in English and advanced in Spanish, and I'm passionate about finding stories that hold institutions accountable and inform communities.

Education
University of Missouri, '26
BJ & BA, Political Science
Languages
English (Fluent)
Spanish (Advanced)
Beats
Courts, Education, International,
Sports Communications

Contact

Let's connect.

I'm always interested in hearing about reporting opportunities, communications roles, and freelance projects. Don't hesitate to reach out.

Available May 2026

Graduating from the University of Missouri in May 2026. Seeking full-time reporting, communications, or content roles.