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University of Mississippi

Archive for the ‘Scholarships’ Category

New Scholarship Memorializes Sister, Highlights U.S. Constitution

Posted on: August 23rd, 2023 by msross

Evangeline Donald Harrison

When the late Evangeline Donald Harrison graduated from her Randolph, Mississippi, high school in 1952, she was not financially able to attend college and instead went to work in a factory.

“Evangeline loved the charm of the Ole Miss campus, and we feel if she had been financially able, she would have attended college there,” said Brenda Donald Elam, Harrison’s sister and the family representative.

To enable others to follow their dreams of higher education, Harrison’s siblings are establishing the Evangeline Donald Harrison Scholarship Endowment at the University of Mississippi School of Journalism and New Media with a gift of $50,000.

“She was exceptionally supportive of her siblings, generously contributing her time, encouragement and financial assistance to each of us,” said Elam of Harrison, who was able to study accounting and computer science at the State Technical Institute in Memphis, Tennessee. “Evangeline’s compassion and benevolent spirit did not end with her family, as she helped many people in their time of need.”

A familial history of military service that dates to the American Revolutionary War led Harrison’s siblings to give first preference for the scholarship to journalism students who are serving, have served or are dependents of U.S. Armed Forces veterans.

“Evangeline was thankful for all armed forces service members — which included her late husband, William, and several other family members — and she always supported veterans,” Elam said. “And, like her, we passionately believe our freedoms have been protected by the United States Constitution, freedom of the press and the many lives and sacrifices of the brave members of our armed forces.”

School of Journalism and New Media Dean Andrea Hickerson said that, along with providing financial support, the Harrison scholarship will also further students’ understanding of the significance and protections the U.S. Constitution and its amendments provide journalists.

“It’s wonderful and fitting for our school to have this generous scholarship requiring an essay on the First Amendment, which is what makes good journalism possible,” said Hickerson. “We are extremely grateful to be a steward of this scholarship, and I’m excited to see what students will write.”

Throughout her career in the news media — including being a proofreader for the Oak Ridger in East Tennessee — Harrison met many interesting people such as the official photographer for the U.S. Atomic Energy Commission’s Oak Ridge Manhattan Project.

To provide a window into Harrison’s personality, Elam shared: “Two of her favorite sayings were, ‘Life is not to be understood; it is to be lived,’ and, in instances where courage is needed, ‘Close your eyes and hang on tight.’

“Being a child born in the years after the Great Depression, Evangeline knew from experience that America is a land of opportunity,” Elam continued, adding that the woman whose career began in a factory retired from an international company (Buckman Laboratories of Memphis) with a distinguished service recognition award.

“Evangeline was a trendsetter who did not criticize but gave support, encouragement and acceptance,” she said. “I know our special sister would want the scholarship recipients to be as proud of their own accomplishments as she was of her own.”

Harrison’s other siblings include sister Rosa Donald Mahler of Nashville, Tennessee; and three brothers, Witt Donald of Jackson, Tennessee; Joe Donald of Las Vegas, Nevada; and Tom Donald of Sevierville, Tennessee.

Gifts can be made to the Evangeline Donald Harrison Scholarship Endowment by sending a check to the University of Mississippi Foundation, with the fund’s name noted on the memo line, to 406 University Ave., Oxford, MS 38655 or by giving online here.

For more information about supporting the School of Journalism and New Media, contact Clint Tucker, development associate, at cbtucker@olemiss.edu or 662-915-6384.

 

By Mary Stanton Knight/UM Development

Scholarships and donations help University of Mississippi journalism and IMC students achieve their dreams

Posted on: July 21st, 2021 by ldrucker

For many prospective students, there’s only one thing standing between them and an education that will change their lives – money.

That’s why donations are critical to providing scholarships and financial support for students pursuing their educational dreams.

You can help make someone’s dream a reality.

Brandon native Kaylynn Steen, 20, is just one of the School of Journalism and New Media’s scholarship recipients. She was awarded the Clay & Krista McFerrin Sun-Sentinel Scholarship that is helping fund her studies as a double major in journalism and public policy leadership with a minor in Spanish.

Kaylynn Steen

Kaylynn Steen

“This scholarship is helping me to fund my cost of tuition at the school,” she said. “One of the biggest barriers of students seeking higher education is finances, so I am extremely grateful to have this scholarship to help alleviate some of that stress.”

The scholarship will also help Steen give back to the community.

“After college, I plan to work in political advocacy and the nonprofit sector,” she said.

William Fisher, who recently served as a development associate for the School of Journalism and New Media, says there are good reasons why scholarship money is so important.

“The University only receives about 12.9% of its budget from the state,” he said. “Decreased state appropriations for public universities is a trend across the country. Therefore, private support is crucial to propelling the University of Mississippi ever forward and helping increased numbers of students with scholarships. Fortunately, our university enjoys highly engaged alumni and friends, who care very deeply for Ole Miss and students.”

Fisher said donations benefit integrated marketing communications (IMC) and journalism students in the following ways.

·       Reduces the financial burden of the costs of college.

·       Allows students time to focus on studies rather than part-time work.

·       Gives students an incentive to do their best work.

·       Encourages students to complete their degrees.

·       Builds students’ confidence in their ability to have a better future.

·       Benefits larger society and economy when individuals earn degrees.

Scholarship logo

Scholarship logo

One of the School of Journalism and New Media’s priorities is to provide more scholarships for students studying integrated marketing communications (IMC).

“When looking at the number of scholarships that are strictly dedicated to assisting IMC majors, there are only a few,” Fisher said. “Most scholarship endowments created for the school were for journalism majors. To understand, you have to take into account that the IMC program has not been around that many years.”

However, IMC majors may be receiving scholarships that are not school-specific, Fisher said. For example, UM offers scholarships based on academic achievements, financial need, geographical areas, leadership, community service, etc. There are those for transfer students from community colleges and those for children of alumni. Fortunately, the list of scholarships is long.

Interim Dean Deb Wenger said UM has some extraordinary applicants who just cannot afford our programs. Scholarships help put the advantage of a college education in the hands of some of those students.

“One misconception that people have is that you have to have millions of dollars to make a difference,” she said. “We have many, many scholarships that accept contributions at any amount. For example, you can help support our Talbert Fellows, a scholarship designed to support applicants who are already doing work as journalists or integrated marketing communications practitioners, even while they’re still in high school.

“There is also the Women in Communications Scholarship and dozens more that honor some of our most respected former faculty and alumni, including Curtis Wilkie or Pamela Hamilton. Adding a few more dollars to those endowments honors them and supports students.”

Wenger said all scholarships are listed on the school’s website.

“I highlight the Talbert Fellows as one of our newest,” she said. “For students who have worked for high school student media in Mississippi, there is the Beth Fitts Scholarships. The Thomas Family Scholarship honors one of our most successful alumni in the area of integrated marketing communications – John Thomas. I encourage anyone interested in our programs to spend some time looking at our scholarship opportunities online.”

If you are interested in establishing or contributing to a scholarship, contact Wenger at drwenger@olemiss.edu.

This story was written by LaReeca Rucker.

 

Remembering Joey Embry: Rebel’s legacy continues with latest scholar

Posted on: February 11th, 2021 by ldrucker

Lillian Lindsey, a University of Mississippi freshman from Water Valley, is the 2020-21 recipient of the Joey Embry Memorial Scholarship, expanding the legacy of a beloved student and football player.

Lindsey is an integrated marketing communications major in the UM School of Journalism and New Media. She hopes to work in the field of social media marketing after receiving her undergraduate degree.

“Since I was a little kid, I have wanted to attend Ole Miss,” she said. “Both of my parents went here, and I grew up so close that it always felt like home,” said Lindsey, a member of the Sally McDonnell Barksdale Honors College and the Ole Miss women’s club volleyball team.

Lillian Lindsey

UM freshman Lillian Lindsey, an integrated marketing communications major from Water Valley, is the 2020-21 recipient of the Joey Embry Memorial Scholarship. Photo by Keli Lindsey Photography

Joey Embry, who the scholarship was named after, was actively involved on the Oxford campus and dedicated to his academic pursuits. He excelled academically, making both the UM Athletic Association and Southeastern Conference academic honor rolls, and left a positive impression on the Ole Miss community through his leadership and commitment on and off the playing field.

Tragically, Embry died in a drowning accident May 19, 1998, just before his fourth season with the Rebels. He was expected to be a major contributor on the offensive line.

The 1998 season was dedicated to Embry, and his teammates memorialized him by wearing his number on their helmets. To have his legacy present at Ole Miss and to keep his spirit alive, the Joey Embry Memorial Scholarship Fund was established to help other UM students.

“I am so thankful to have received this scholarship,” Lindsey said. “I’ve heard my dad speak of Joey Embry in the past and how much he thought of him when they played football together at Ole Miss.”

Stephen Lindsey was a kicker for the Rebels during the 1996 and 1997 football seasons.

“I’ve also known Joey’s brother, Brad, who taught me at Water Valley High School, and I’ve known his parents for years,” Lindsey said. “Knowing them makes this scholarship even more special to me.”

Embry scholars must be from Calhoun and Yalobusha counties – the Mississippi counties in which the Embrys have lived. Students interested in applying for the scholarship should speak with their high school guidance counselor.

Gwen Embry, Joey Embry’s mother, said she and her husband, Bill, know Lindsey and her family through church and are “very proud for her.”

Likewise, Joey Embry would be honored that his legacy is continuing in this way, she said.

“Joey gave everything for there to be this scholarship, and we want to make sure it’s used to the best of its ability – that the students will devote their time and efforts to school and keep their priorities in the right direction.”

The Joey Embry Memorial Scholarship Endowment is open to gifts from individuals and organizations. Checks may be mailed to the University of Mississippi Foundation, with the endowment noted in the memo line, to 406 University Ave., Oxford, MS 38655. Gifts can also be made online by visiting https://give.olemiss.edu.

This story was originally written by Bill Dabney for UM Communications.

Everything you need to know about applying for scholarships from the UM School of Journalism and New Media

Posted on: December 3rd, 2020 by ldrucker

If you’d like to attend the University of Mississippi School of Journalism and New Media, but you want to apply for scholarships to help fund your education, we’ve created a Q & A that will help you navigate the scholarship application process.

School leaders say you don’t have to be a straight A student to apply for some of our scholarships. We have multiple scholarships designed for a variety of students. So read the information below provided by former Assistant Dean Jennifer Simmons and Associate Dean Debora Wenger to learn why you should apply.

Q. Some students don’t really understand how the scholarship process works. If you are a new or existing student who wants to apply for a scholarship, what steps should you take? Do you apply for individual scholarships, or do you just submit one application from our website?

A. New students to the university must submit the Special Programs and Scholarships Application (SPSA) for consideration for university-level scholarships and school-level scholarships. The School of Journalism and New Media has a tab within the SPSA for students who are interested in applying for scholarships for students majoring in journalism or IMC.

This application covers it all. Students do not have to apply for individual scholarships. The priority deadline for the SPSA is Jan. 5, with a final deadline of Feb. 15. Currently enrolled or continuing students must complete the .pdf application located at the JNM site. The deadline for this application is Feb. 15.

scholarship

scholarship

Q. What happens after you submit the application? How and when are the scholarships awarded? When will you be notified if you are selected for one? How are the selections made?

A. After the application is submitted, the Scholarship Committee within the School of Journalism and New Media will review the applications and make recommendations for awards. Reviews usually begin after Feb. 1. The committee completes a holistic review of each application received. Factors include, but are not limited to, standardized test score, GPA, journalistic or IMC involvement/experience, hometown/county, and high school.

Students who are awarded a scholarship through the School of Journalism and New Media must be admitted or enrolled in the Bachelor’s of Journalism or IMC degree program and will be notified by the Financial Aid office after April 1.

Q. Do you think there are some students who may be missing out on scholarship opportunities because they didn’t fill out an application? What would you say to encourage them to apply?

A. I think there is a misconception that you have to be a 4.0 student to receive a scholarship, and that’s just not true. We have multiple scholarships based on whether you are studying journalism or IMC, or if you’re from Mississippi, or if you are already working in the fields of IMC or journalism through internships or jobs. We encourage you to check out the list of scholarships we have available to see if you are eligible.

Q. If there is someone out there who would like to establish a scholarship in the name of someone else for our school, how would they do that?

A. We know there are people out there who believe in quality journalism and responsible integrated marketing communications, and we would welcome their help in supporting students who are pursuing those careers. We have a number of existing scholarships, including the Curtis Wilkie Scholarship for journalism students, the Robin Street Public Relations Student Support Fund and the Talbert Fellows Fund, which supports both journalism and IMC students, just to name a few. And, of course, we are always open to new ideas for scholarships, so please get in touch if we can help you support our students.

You can email Associate Dean Debora Wenger at drwenger@olemiss.edu if you are interested in establishing a scholarship at our school. Visit our scholarship page to learn more.

School of Journalism and New Media Scholarships

Posted on: October 1st, 2019 by

Scholarship Application
(Those interested in the Talbert Fellows Program must also include a link to an online portfolio that showcases their work in journalism or IMC. Send the completed application and a link to your portfolio to jour-imc@olemiss.edu with “Talbert Fellows Scholarship” in the subject line of the email.)

Scholarships will be awarded on the basis of academic merit, professional motivation and financial need. Applications MUST be received in the front office of the school by February 15 to be considered for the following academic year.

Scholarship amounts vary and some may be renewable.

Students may also be eligible for additional scholarships through the university

The following is a partial list of those providing funds to generate scholarship awards for students in the School of Journalism and New Media. Most scholarships are renewable annually, depending on grade point averages and other criteria.

ALBIN KREBS
CASHMAN FAMILY
CHARLES GORDON
CHARLES DUNAGIN/VENTRESS ORDER
CHARLES OVERBY (Editor of Daily Mississippian)
C SPIRE WIRELESS*
DR. EDWIN and BECKY MEEK
MCFERRIN
E. O. RODEN
S. GALE DENLEY
GANNETT
GEORGE MCLEAN
HEARST
JAMES AUTRY
JAMES AUTRY SERVICE JOURNALISM
JAMES LOVE
JAMES SKEWES
JERE HOAR
KERRY HAMILTON
MARK COX
MICHAEL T. REEVES/GRIDION CLUB
PAUL PITTMAN
TALBERT FELLOWS (requires a portfolio submission in addition to the application)
THOMAS FAMILY
TOMMY RAMEY
RON and GAYLA FARRAR
SARAH PEARSON PEUGH
SOUTH REPORTER
WILLIAM STREET
WOMEN IN COMMUNICATION
LARRY and TRACY WEEDEN
DANIEL M. PHILLIPS MEMORIAL
KOTZ JOURNALISM
LEE BAKER SPORTS EDITOR AWARD
BILL MINOR
DUB SHOEMAKER
WILL and SUSAN NORTON

*Awarded every third year

UM School of Journalism and New Media launches new Talbert Fellows program

Posted on: August 25th, 2019 by ldrucker

The University of Mississippi School of Journalism and New Media is seeking future journalism and communications students in Mississippi and beyond for a unique program designed to provide exclusive opportunities.

Incoming journalism and integrated marketing communication students with great potential and strong work portfolios are encouraged to apply to become Talbert Fellows, an elite cohort within the school. The program launched Aug. 1 and will begin this fall.

Talbert Fellows will be selected based on a portfolio of their best submitted work in print, broadcast, integrated marketing communication, photography, etc. rather than their GPA or ACT scores. Applicants should begin submitting work in the fall of 2019 and follow the UM scholarship application process.

The Talbert Fellows program will offer scholarship opportunities and financial assistance in addition to other funding students might receive, special events, personalized attention and coaching from faculty, reporting trips and a possible travel budget.

“Students have a lot of choices when it comes to finding the right university, and we think the Talbert Fellows program might be just the little extra incentive some need to choose the School of Journalism and New Media,” said Assistant Dean and Associate Professor of Journalism Debra Wenger, Ph.D. “From scholarship money to unique experiential learning opportunities to networking options, the students accepted to become Talbert Fellows will find themselves positioned to become future leaders in the fields of journalism and integrated marketing communications.”

Farley Hall. Photo by Clay Patrick.

Assistant Dean and Associate Professor Scott Fiene said the School of Journalism and New Media is pleased to launch a program that offers more than just financial assistance.

“This will also create a unique cohort of students who get opportunities for faculty coaching, reporting trips, possibly special class sections, and a lot more,” he said. “It’s truly a win for students and a milestone in the evolution of our school.”

R.J. Morgan, director of the Mississippi Scholastic Press Association, said there are many high school students across the country who are proving they are skilled thinkers and innovators at a young age.

“Students like that need to be honored, but more than that, they need to be challenged to reach their full potential,” he said. “This program will help us better identify those students from the outset, so that once they arrive on campus, we can focus our best resources on pushing them to an elite level of success.”

The Talbert Fellows program is named after Samuel S. Talbert, Ph.D. The versatile administrator and author wrote three academic books on journalism, several plays and a column published in more than 100 newspapers. He chaired the UM Department of Journalism from 1951 until his death in 1972.

Talbert Fellows selections will follow the university’s annual calendar with new students notified in April and admitted each fall semester. New, transfer and current students are eligible to apply. Awards are renewable for up to four years.

Applicants must submit a link to their online portfolios and the information required through the University of Mississippi scholarship application portal.

To request an interview about the Talbert Fellows program, contact Wenger at 662-915-7912 or drwenger@olemiss.edu.