GSU Spotlight: Mass Communications Student Wins Thomson Reuters/White House Correspondents’ Scholarship
By Jovan Hackley
This year’s White House Correspondents Dinner included stellar representation from G
rambling State University.
As one of two winners of the Thomson Reuters/White House Correspondents’ Association Trust in Reporting Scholarships, Grambling State graduate student Tayler Davis received an invite and attended this year’s White House Correspondents Dinner.
“The dinner and weekend were amazing. It was amazing to connect with so many people and be in the room with those who have been making media history,” said Tayler Davis who is one of two HBCU students who received the Reuters scholarship. “Being a part of the weekend reassured me that I’m in the right field and has opened doors for me to meet major players at CBS, behind Face the Nation, and I even got the chance to meet Don Lemon.”
Davis, an aspiring television news reporter from Baton Rouge, LA is in her first year of graduate studies in GSU’s Department of Mass Communication. A graduate of Dutchtown High School in Geismar, LA and the University of Louisiana at Monroe, Davis hopes to one day become an anchor and White House correspondent and she’s well on her way. She is the first designee for the $7,000 award which is one of several highly competitive scholarship efforts and training programs offered by the news service.
“It is beyond big for Grambling to be a part of this effort,” said Dr. Robbie Morganfield, who teaches graduate courses and serves as head of GSU’s Mass Communication department.
Morganfield, whose career includes services as a political reporter and editor for several of the nation’s largest newspapers, is launching a Public Affairs Reporting Institute this summer to provide Davis and other students classroom and practical experience.
“We are living in a time when diverse voices and perspectives are more important to the news industry than ever,” Morganfield said. “We have to be players in this very important movement.”
Davis is an active member of National Association of Black Journalists, volunteers at KEDM – North Louisiana’s NPR station, and has served as a moderator for a community town hall forum sponsored by the Grambling Department of Mass Communication and the City of Grambling. While enrolled at ULM, Davis worked as a reporter for the campus-based Hawkeye newspaper and the campus public radio station.
“It’s an incredible honor to see students like Tayler elevating their experience,” said GSU President Rick Gallot. “They are turning class-time into careers. That’s the kind of initiative that ensures our bright legacy continues.”
GSU Spotlights highlights the accomplishments of students, faculty, and alumni successes throughout the GSU Community. To nominate a student or alumni or provide feedback on GSU Spotlights, email the Grambling State University Office of University Communications at mediarelations@gram.edu.