When Erin Jones started her internship with the SUNY Institute for Local News, she didn’t expect her supervisor to be a fellow Golden Eagle—and former Stylus editor-in-chief— Todd Franko. As part of her internship, Jones was a member of the New York Connect team, where she wrote digital stories for readers across the state
“I loved my internship. It was really cool writing for all of New York state,” Jones said. “I liked that I could write about so many different topics that matter to New York readers, from state traffic laws and school rankings to concerts and McDonald’s promotions.”
Her first article for the Democrat and Chronicle—a feature on Ithaca being named the best town in the U.S. to visit—earned more than 88,000 views.
“It helped me get out of my own head and proved to me that even as an intern, what I have to say matters.”
Erin Jones
“I had a reader email me to say it made her day because she grew up in Ithaca. That meant so much to me,” Jones said. “It made me more confident in myself and my writing.”
Although Jones was initially nervous about writing for a major publication, it was her experience at SUNY Brockport that helped her overcome that uncertainty.
“I was definitely intimidated to write for the Democrat and Chronicle before my internship started,” Jones said. “But it helped me get out of my own head and proved to me that even as an intern, what I have to say matters.”
As part of the first internship cohort for the SUNY Institute for Local News, Jones connected with students from across the SUNY system during a kickoff retreat on Governor’s Island.
Erin Jones with Mary McCrank at the Department’s Honor Society Induction & Scholarship Awards Ceremony
“It’s exciting to see what other interns have been working on throughout the summer,” Jones said. “The head of the program, Todd Franko, was a former Stylus editor-in-chief. It’s very full circle that he’s now helping current Golden Eagles through this program.”
In just her first two years at SUNY Brockport, Jones has participated in several student-run media outlets, including 89.1 The Point as a DJ and music director, Talon Television as a news anchor, and The Stylus in a leadership role.
“Brockport has so many student media organizations. Joining them can help you discover what you’re passionate about, gain hands-on experience, and make lifelong friends,” Jones said. “I know it can feel intimidating at first, but you don’t need to wait to be an upperclassman.”
Jones recently began an internship with 585 Magazine during the Fall 2025 semester where she continues to write and publish stories. She credits much of her success to the professors who made an early impression on her, specifically Mary McCrank and Kim Young.
“Meeting Mary and Kim solidified my decision to come to Brockport,” Jones said. “They were so passionate about the field and helping students. Now I’ve had one of them as a professor every semester I’ve been here. They’ve become two of my greatest mentors.”