Students from Savannah State University celebrate receiving PGA scholarships at the NNPA conference.
Two students from Savannah State University, Ellen Hunter and Grace Thomas, have received $5,000 scholarships from the PGA. The awards were presented during the NNPA conference, aimed at supporting students from HBCUs pursuing careers in journalism and communications. The scholarships promote diversity and inclusion in the media landscape, showcasing the importance of community engagement in fostering future leaders within the industry.
Savannah, GA – Two students from Savannah State University (SSU), Ellen Hunter and Grace Thomas, have been awarded $5,000 scholarships from the Professional Golfers’ Association (PGA) for the upcoming fall semester of 2025. The scholarships were presented on June 26 during the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) annual conference, which took place from June 25 to June 28, 2025, at the J.W. Marriott Savannah Plant Riverside.
The PGA scholarships are a result of a partnership between the NNPA and PGA TOUR, aimed specifically at supporting students enrolled in Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). The initiative seeks to foster academic opportunities and financial support for students pursuing careers in journalism and communications.
During the award ceremony, the scholarships were presented by Marsha Gardner Oliver, the Senior Vice President for Community and Public Engagement at the PGA TOUR. Emily Furderer, Senior Manager of Community and Inclusion at PGA TOUR, was also in attendance, underscoring the importance of these scholarships in promoting diversity and inclusion within the media landscape.
Ellen Hunter, a Mass Communications and Journalism major, was present to accept her scholarship. She also serves as the Editor in Chief of SSU’s student newspaper, the Tiger’s Roar. Her mother, Lenora Hunter, accompanied her to the event, marking the occasion as a proud moment for their family.
Grace Thomas, who is a Journalism major and Co-Editor of the Tiger’s Roar, was unable to attend this important event due to an out-of-town commitment. In her absence, Dr. Juliana Trammel, Chair of Journalism and Mass Communications, along with Kareem McMichael, the advisor for the Tiger’s Roar, accepted the scholarship on her behalf.
Several representatives from SSU attended the conference to support their students. These included LeAndrea Mikell from the office of President Dr. Jermaine Whirl and Dr. David Marshall, Dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences. Their presence highlighted the university’s commitment to fostering academic excellence and community engagement among its students.
Shirley B. James, a publisher of the Savannah Tribune and a former SSU employee, introduced Marsha Gardner Oliver during the presentation, bridging the event with local community leadership and support for educational initiatives.
The NNPA conference provides a platform for media professionals and scholars to discuss the development of journalism, media strategies, and the importance of representation in news outlets. The award of these scholarships not only supports individual students but also reflects a broader commitment to increasing diversity within the field of journalism, particularly for students attending HBCUs.
The PGA scholarships are a significant step in addressing educational disparities and providing financial resources that encourage minority students to pursue careers in journalism and mass communications. Hunter and Thomas’s achievements showcase the potential impact of institutional support and community engagement in shaping future leaders in the media industry.
As both students move forward in their academic journeys, their accomplishments are expected to inspire fellow peers at SSU, encouraging them to strive for opportunities that will further their educational and professional aspirations.
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