Debra Klevens
CSPAA Chair of Committee on Adviser Relations
Debra Klevens, CJE, is a distinguished academic publications adviser with more than two decades of experience. She shares her expertise with students and advisers not only as an instructor for the Columbia Scholastic Press Association but also through her work with the National Scholastic Press Association (NSPA), the Journalism Education Association (JEA), and Varsity Yearbooks. Throughout her career, Klevens has been recognized for her contributions to journalism education. In 2024, she received the NSPA Pioneer Award, and in 2023, she was named the CSPA National High School Journalism Teacher of the Year. Her numerous accolades also include being a CSPA Gold Key recipient and a past recipient of the Distinguished Adviser award. Klevens' dedication is reflected in her students' success. Their work has earned top honors, including CSPA Gold and Silver Crowns and NSPA Pacemaker awards. She currently advises the Clayton Globe newspaper and recently concluded her term as a JEA director-at-large.