I created Beyond the Current as my final capstone project at Evangel University and decided to continue developing the publication after graduation. The goal of Beyond the Current is to tell the stories of Van Buren, Missouri, that often go unseen. While the town is best known for the Current River and Big Spring, the heart of Van Buren is found in the people who live there and the stories that make this community unique.

I have managed every stage of the publication, from concept to print. I handle editorial planning, story development, interviews, photography, layout and design, final editing, and preparing the magazine for print. I also designed and built a website to serve as a digital home for the publication, giving readers the option to experience Beyond the Current online or through a digital or print edition.

Through the project, I have been able to combine journalism, photography, design, web development, and project management to create a publication that celebrates the people and stories that make Van Buren a community—not simply a destination.