Two Dispatch reporters recently earned promotions, and a new reporter has joined the newsroom.
Emma McRae stepped into the role of news editor this week, while Colin Damms was promoted to Mississippi State athletics beat reporter June 3. Braden Simmons joined the staff Monday as a general assignment reporter.
McRae, a Tishomingo County native, started with The Dispatch in November 2023 as education reporter. Since then, she has most notably covered state-level decisions that could affect the future of Mississippi University for Women and the Mississippi School for Mathematics and Science, planned renovations and elementary campus consolidation at Columbus Municipal School District, and how new federal rules are impacting the area’s public universities.
She holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Southern Methodist University in Dallas, where she double-minored in human rights and English.
As news editor, McRae will assist the managing editor in planning and producing each edition of The Dispatch, while continuing to produce news content across all beats, including education.
In the news editor role, McRae replaces Abigail Sipe Rochester, who is converting to part-time and maintaining her duties as lifestyles editor.
“This newsroom is full of dedicated reporters who are passionate about delivering accurate local news, and I’m so excited for the opportunity to help lead that work as news editor,” McRae said. “I look forward to supporting our team as we continue our focus on keeping community members informed about the issues that affect their everyday lives.”
Damms, a Starkville native, joined The Dispatch as a part-time sports reporter in September 2021 and moved to full-time high school sports reporter in March 2024. He holds a bachelor of history degree from Mississippi University for Women and a master’s in European history from the University of Southern Mississippi.
In his new role on the MSU beat, he will provide comprehensive coverage of Bulldog athletics, from game stories, features and player profiles to enterprise stories related to the university’s sports programs.
“I am proud to be a part of the talented news and sports teams at The Dispatch, and I am excited to continue delivering compelling sports news and coverage in a new role on the Mississippi State beat,” Damms said. “In my time with The Dispatch, I have been fortunate to learn the ropes from several talented writers and editors, assist with MSU sports coverage and provide commentary on the Bully Banter podcast. I look forward to making the role my own, sharing the stories of the many Bulldog programs and documenting the highs and lows of each new season.”
Managing Editor Zack Plair commended both McRae and Damms for their promotions.
“Emma and Colin have worked their tails off and grown so much as journalists since they started here,” Plair said. “Both are passionate about their craft and that shows up in everything they do. These promotions are well-deserved.”
Simmons comes to The Dispatch from Nashville, Tennessee, where he graduated in May with bachelor degrees in political science and journalism from Belmont University. There, he worked for the student newspaper, Belmont Vision.
During his time in college, he also interned with the Nashville Scene publication and in the public affairs office of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers- Nashville District.
“I wanted to join The Dispatch because I have always cared about local news,” Simmons said. “I think that I have always had a community focused mindset when it came to my reporting, and I knew I wanted to start somewhere that also had those same views in mind. I hope to continue to tell the stories that matter to this community and speak with people from all around the area.”
Plair said Simmons has been a great fit in the newsroom.
“It’s great to have talented young journalists start their careers here,” Plair said. “Braden is conscientious and thorough, and he has fully engaged with covering issues important to the Golden Triangle. We’re glad to have him.”
You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 41 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 41 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
