Correction 5/10/22: In a previous version of this article, it was reported that Wyatt will be receiving a Bachelor of Fine Arts with a concentration in film production. This has been updated to show that Wyatt will be graduating with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in film and digital media arts.
After five years of undergraduate work split between Champlain College in Vermont and the University of New Mexico, Shelby Wyatt, formerly Shelby Kleinhans, is preparing to graduate with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in film and digital media arts. The current winner of the Mark Holm photojournalism award, an annual award given to an exceptional Daily Lobo photographer, her work at the Lobo as a dedicated journalist and photographer will not be forgotten.
During her three years at the Daily Lobo, Wyatt has had the opportunity to explore photographic and written journalism as well as, most recently, the position of multimedia editor. Like many other Lobo employees and alumni, Wyatt fondly recalls having “fallen into” journalism by way of the Lobo.
“I always like to talk about how I kind of fell into the Lobo … Saw a job listing for freelance photographer and thought, ‘Well, I take photos. Maybe I should apply for that,’” Wyatt said. “Didn’t come here with any intentions of getting into journalism or reporting or being an editor. I just wanted to come to UNM for film, so it kind of felt like fate that I ended up at the Lobo."
Busy by nature, Wyatt divides her time between multiple journalism jobs and a handful of artistic interests from film to painting, according to her partner Finn Wyatt.
“Between working for the Daily Lobo and Source New Mexico as a photographer and writer, she has many interests and passions and hobbies and never has a free moment of time since she’s always working on something,” Finn said.
Wyatt’s adventurous and deeply determined personality is well-suited to the speed and intensity of journalism, according to Finn.
“She’s someone who never really loses hope,” Finn said. “Regardless of how challenging a situation may be, she’ll just attack it … until she can have something she’s proud of.”
Her work in student journalism has been extensive and has already led to a career. Wyatt credited the Lobo as a high point in her education.
“It was very much a highlight of my time at UNM,” Wyatt said. “I learned a lot of things that I wouldn’t have otherwise learned in the film department.”
Wyatt’s exceptional intelligence and strong will serve as an inspiration to Finn.
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“She challenges me in ways that most people don’t,” Finn said. “She’s always trying to expand her viewpoint and knowledge.”
Natalie Jude is the culture editor for the Daily Lobo. She can be reached on Twitter @nataloroni or at culture@dailylobo.com
