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Cypris Wilkinson

About Me


Hello! My name is Cypris Wilkinson, and I'm currently pursuing a Mass Communication degree with a minor in Social Media Administration at the University of Montevallo in Alabama.

I'm fueled by a love for exploration and discovery. I cherish every opportunity to travel, immersing myself in diverse cultures and experiences that enrich my knowledge of the world. 

My career goals have evolved over time, but storytelling has always felt like a natural fit for me. As someone who craves change and thrives on being in the field, I envision a career where I can travel frequently, discovering and sharing stories that resonate with diverse communities. 

From an early age, I have been captivated by the arts and their ability to communicate profound stories, a passion that deepened during my undergraduate work because of Montevallo’s culturally rich community.

Uncovering the narratives of local people and places steeped in art and history inspired me to pursue journalism that celebrates the human experience and the power of creativity. I aspire for my work to entertain and inspire, inviting audiences to think deeply about the world around them. 

My favorite word, "sonder," encapsulates my approach to storytelling: the recognition of the vast and complex lives others live. This realization, equal parts sorrowful and comforting, motivates me to seek out the untold stories that connect us all.

Featured Articles

Explore a featured selection of my writing work below.
Vallo Vision News •

Dismantling the rumor mill: How UM’s administration is tackling a financial “shortfall”

Story By: Elise Kidd & Cypris Wilkinson 

MONTEVALLO, Ala. — For most of the spring 2025 semester, the University of Montevallo’s finances have been in the spotlight. 

It began in February 2025 when the UM board of trustees voted to raise tuition for the first time after seven years. This was quickly followed by campus-wide budget cuts, staff layoffs, and an announced departmental merger for theatre and music, which has since been postponed. These rapid-fire financial decisions caused conce...
Vallo Vision News •

Beth Balent: Research that aims to improve swimming fitness testing in collegiate athletes

MONTEVALLO, Ala.– For many student-athletes, balancing academics and sports is already a challenge. But for Beth Balent, a swimmer and University of Montevallo senior, the pool became more than just a place to train, it became a laboratory.

When she realized she only needed one class to graduate, she saw an opportunity to take on something more meaningful. With aspirations for physical therapy school, she decided to explore an area of research that remains largel...
Vallo Vision News •

College Night: More Than Just a Competition

MONTEVALLO, Ala. — The University of Montevallo’s College Night is more than just a tradition. It is a defining element of the university’s culture, a legacy that has been passed down through generations of students since its inception in 1919.

This homecoming tradition has been a defining part of UM’s identity, bringing students together in a special competition unlike any other. College Night is an entirely student-led theater competition, where creativity, col...
Vallo Vision News •

Ivy League Brew: Drink Like Royalty

ALABASTER, Ala. – Located in Alabaster’s Siluria Mill District lies Ivy League Brew. Whose founders are not just crafting exceptional beverages, but also creating a sense of belonging and community. This establishment isn’t your typical brewery, it’s a hub of camaraderie, innovation and also mead.

Founded by brothers, Matt and Rob Pollard’s story of how they came to craft this unique libation is truly an interesting one. It was at a Medieval Festival when Matt was stationed in Germany, his frie
Vallo Vision News •

How Montevallo positioned Montevallo alum Molly Hansen for success

MONTEVALLO, Ala.— Molly Hansen, a recent graduate of the University of Montevallo, is achieving a goal that her time at UM gave her the opportunity to reach. Hansen found her love for collegiate athletics here at the University of Montevallo, and she is now shifting her focus toward a promising career in the NCAA in a different way.

During her undergraduate years, Hansen played a pivotal role in the University athletics, by leaving her mark on the Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), an o
Vallo Vision News •

5 restaurants to try in Montevallo, Alabama

MONTEVALLO Ala. — Centrally located in the state of Alabama, about 35 miles from the Magic City, lies Montevallo. The Shelby County City may only have a population of 7,229, but it is also home to the University of Montevallo, which approximately 3,000 students attend.

Ten thousand people is a lot of mouths to feed, and though Montevallo is a small town, it is full of cuisine that is more than just fast food restaurants.

Here are five restaurants that you should try in Montevallo, based on Yel
Vallo Vision News •

Tinglewood: A festival that represents art, culture and community

MONTEVALLO, Ala. – The Tinglewood Festival is an annual celebration of art, culture and the creative spirit that takes place in a small town in the middle of Alabama each September.

The festival takes place in Montevallo Alabama at Orr park. The one-day event that brings together the community as well as artists from all over the South. The festival includes: wood carving, a whittling contest, a car show, a tractor show, live music and a food truck quarter.

At the heart of this free event is t

Watch My 2025 VVN Shelby County Spotlight

A story I never expected to find not a mile and a half away from the University of Montevallo. The Aldrich Coal Mine Museum tells the story of a once bustling mining community, and one family's effort to make sure it's not forgotten.

Watch My 2024 VVN Shelby County Spotlight

I had an amazing time visiting Ivy League Brew recently and with my VVN's team we bring to you, Local businesses they need to discover!

Social Media

Instagram •

Student Feature: Isa Cabrera

I met Isa Cabrera at farmer. She was in front of me in line at Einstein Bagels. I heard her on the phone speaking Spanish and when she ended the call I inquired about where she is from.

She told me she is from Guatemala and we started talking. She told me that she comes to Einsteins every week because of her love of coffee. We started talking about our coffee orders and what our favorite coffee is. Her favorite coffee is actually an espresso with sugar and a dash of milk and says that Guatemala is actually known for their coffee.☕️
Instagram •

Frou Frou Boutique

A few weekends ago I had a little adventure on my way to alabaster.

My adventure began when I stumbled upon a boutique that had caught my eye a few weekends prior. Eager to explore it, I stepped inside and was warmly welcomed by Brigelle, the store owner. We engaged in a delightful conversation, where she shared the history of her shop, which has been in this location for the past 3 years but the company has been a stylish hub for over a decade. She told me that many of her curated clothing items come from the trendy streets of Los Angeles.

Vallo Vision News

Explore a featured selection of my news reporting work below.

My Resume

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