By Hazel Scott/ASU
Three broadcast students at Alabama State University received $1,000 each from the American Broadcasters Association (ABA), the official voice of the broadcasting industry in Alabama.
The scholarship funds are part of ABA’s $50,000 endowment grant awarded to ASU to support journalism students at Alabama State University. The scholarships support students in Alabama institutions pursuing degrees in broadcasting or related fields. The foundation's goal is to promote a higher standard of professionalism in the broadcasting industry.
“This endowment will not just be a one-time thing. It’s something that will live on at Alabama State University to invest in our scholars,” said Dr. Wynter Rudolph, broadcast assistant professor.
All three recipients are communications majors with a concentration in radio and television. All applicants must be classified as juniors or seniors with a 3.0 GPA or higher. Priority is often given to Alabama residents.
Maya McCord, a graduating senior who transferred to ASU as a sophomore, plans to use her scholarship funds to attend graduate school in fall 2026 or to pay off her student loan. A very active student, she has interned with various professional businesses, including Disney, ABC News’ “Nightline,” and recently Central Alabama CrimeStoppers. McCord worked at ASU's student newspaper, The Hornet Tribune, as a senior reporter and staff member, was a member of the Student Government Association, and played on the Women’s Volleyball team. McCord’s goal is to become an entertainment media intellectual property attorney. She maintains a 3.9 GPA.
“I was excited to receive this ABA scholarship. I had some close friends last year who were also seniors who received this scholarship…I was pleased to follow in their footsteps,” she said.
McCord said she had some challenges on her journey. “It’s been a wild ride just to become a senior and be able to graduate. It’s wonderful to have the opportunity to make a lasting impression on the school as I did. I’m pleased to create that impact,” she added.
Sefon Young-Rolle, a graduating senior, said he plans to use the scholarship funds to invest in his business, Young Films, and to support traveling to California in June to work with the NFL Technical Camp. As a junior, Young-Rolle co-founded the 915 Podcast on ASU’s WVAS-FM radio station. He also interned with the ASU athletics media department and was recently honored with its Arthur D. Barnett Perseverance Award.
“I was honored when they gave me the scholarship. I didn’t think that the things I did on campus were recognized. I'm thankful that my work was noticed,” Young-Rolle said.
As a defensive lineman on the ASU Hornets football team, Young-Rolle hopes to make it to the NFL. He wants to stay in the sports realm, specifically content creation and media production. Young-Rolle maintains a 3.3 GPA.
“After graduation, I also want to get my master’s degree,” he added.
Ty Roberts, a graduating senior, also wants to continue his studies in communications and get a master’s degree in his field. Eventually, he plans to transition to the world of sports broadcasting. Roberts has interned with WVAS-FM radio station and at a local news company in his hometown of San Antonio, Texas. Roberts maintains a 3.9 GPA.
“It felt amazing receiving the scholarship because I saw the field of candidates, and I understood that everyone there was deserving. Being selected as one of three recipients really meant a lot to me, especially from my peers and superiors…and other people in my department choosing me and recognizing my work among such a strong field. It just felt fantastic,” Roberts said.
Roberts acknowledges the collective effort and assistance that contributed to his success.
“I’m thankful to everyone at ASU who has supported me on my way,” he added.