Global Campus Graduate Student Awarded Prestigious Journalism Scholarship
The National Institute for Labor Relations Research (NILRR) is an organization best known for encouraging research, debate, and discussion regarding mandatory unionism. Guided by what the journalist William B. Ruggles identified as “Right to Work” principles, those affiliated with the NILRR have made it their mission to draw attention to the ethical and economic problems that arise when working individuals are required or pressured to join unions. Ruggles’ contributions to this ongoing discussion are honored with a journalism scholarship given annually in his name. In June, the NILRR announced the 2026 recipient to be Matthew Hable, a graduate student currently studying strategic communication at WSU Global Campus.
Hable earned his bachelor’s degree in journalism from Cal Poly Humboldt in 2018, then applied what he learned about storytelling, language, and communications in the following years by teaching English abroad and leading cultural programs closer to home in the Bay Area. Despite these successful experiences, however, he knew that an advanced degree could take him even further. In 2025, he enrolled in his current master’s program at Global Campus, eager for the opportunity to continue his studies online while being present at home for his young son and his wife, who was expecting their second child.
At the end of his first semester at Global Campus, Hable was awarded the $2000 William B. Ruggles Journalism Scholarship for his exemplary essay submission that expressed his support for the right-to-work principles that the NILRR advocates for. By utilizing the writing skills that he refined as an undergraduate, he approached the prompt “through an objective, op-ed lens [in order] to write a fair argument rooted in facts and the democratic value of voluntary participation.”
In his winning essay, Hable analyzed the social, ethical, and economic implications of mandatory unionism to build a solid argument in favor of workers’ rights to choose how to represent themselves. In addition to providing research-backed examples of how required union membership can result in conditional employment, workplace strain, and division among employees, he also was sure to highlight the benefits of elective union membership. “Voluntary systems create pressure [for union leaders] to remain transparent and effective, since continued support depends on workers’ confidence,” wrote Hable. “This is consistent with democratic principles more broadly: representation works best when it must be maintained, not enforced.”
Hable’s frequent references to democratic values were more than a strategic choice to win the essay contest, however; they are reflective of the guiding principles that he strives to honor in his own work. He shared how he has made a consistent effort in both academic and professional settings to uplift the voices that too often go unheard, using his past experiences and continually developing expertise in communications to ensure that people across demographics are equipped with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions.
“Winning this scholarship reminded me of the value of using a balanced, skeptical, and inclusive lens to evaluate real world issues,” said Hable. “At WSU, I am refining these strategic communication skills to bridge the gap between dense policy and public understanding. I strive to keep my writing plainspoken yet deeply impactful for a general audience.”
As he looks toward the future, Hable hopes to pursue a career that makes a positive social impact and, as he put it, “sets a meaningful example of public service for my two sons.” Through his studies at WSU Global Campus, he is further developing his expertise in communications that earned him the William B. Ruggles Journalism Scholarship and will surely help him continue to make the kind of positive impact he has set out to achieve.
About the Author
Emma Seckington is a writer for WSU Global Campus, working alongside the Marketing and Communications team to spotlight the unique accomplishments of Global Campus students, faculty, and alumni.