Country Radio Broadcasters Inc. selected the University of Tennessee at Martin’s broadcasting program, housed within the Department of Communications, as one of two recipients of this year’s $25,000 scholarship award. Faculty members Dr. Richard Robinson and Rodney Freed, along with four students, accepted the award during the organization’s Country Radio Seminar held Feb. 13 at the Omni Hotel in Nashville.
“All of us at the CRB were very impressed at the curriculum and the type of students the school brings us. After having a chance to meet some of the them at our recent Country Radio Seminar, our feeling was definitely reinforced,” said John Shomby, chairperson of the CRB scholarship committee. “It’s very encouraging to see so many young people eager to get into this business and UTM being one of the main catalysts behind that.”
This is the first time UT Martin has received this award, which will be used to help fund the education of a student pursuing the broadcasting sequence each year. Interested colleges and universities had to apply for the scholarship and submit letters of support to qualify for consideration.
“The Communications Department was honored to be chosen for the Country Radio Broadcasters scholarship endowment,” said Rodney Freed, instructor of communications and director of the department’s broadcasting sequence. “Our program is focused on giving students a wide range of professional experiences to prepare them for their professional careers. With this generous endowment, we’ll be able to offer an ongoing scholarship to assist students financially in pursuing careers in the broadcast field.”
Students in attendance were Brian Affolter, a senior from Brentwood; Jessica Davis, a junior from Sharon; Emma Bruner, a junior from South Fulton; and John Thornton, a junior from Atoka.
For more information on the award or the UT Martin broadcasting sequence, contact Dr. Richard Robinson, professor of communications and WUTM faculty adviser, at 731-881-7555 or rrobins@utm.edu.
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