The National Press Club, the world’s leading professional organization for journalists, has chosen Gabrielle Pippins of Dallas, Texas, as the recipient of its 2024 Wes Vernon Broadcast Scholarship. The judges called Pippins a “trailblazer” not only for her dedication to journalism, but also her impressive volunteer work and excellent grades.
The scholarship, which promotes diversity within the field of journalism, is awarded to an aspiring broadcast journalist and totals as much as $20,000 over four years. Pippins is a broadcast journalism student at the Mayborn School of Journalism, University of North Texas.
Pippins began her journalism career as a sportswriter for her high school newspaper. In college, she has continued to demonstrate a commitment to broadcast through her work as a sports anchor for the university’s North Texas Television News, as well as joining a sports panel discussion on a program called Sportszone.
“Although there have been more women in sports journalism, only a small fraction have been women of color … I want to become what Taylor Rooks, Maria Taylor, Chiney Ogwumike and so many other Black sports journalists have been for me,” Pippins wrote in her application essay. “I want young Black girls to view me the same way I currently view these accomplished women on various sports networks.”
Recommendation letters from her professors and university president praised her work ethic, academic prowess, and talent:
“She is hardworking, responsible, and constantly striving to improve her skills,” said Brittany Pieper McElroy, senior lecturer at the University of North Texas. “This kind of dedication, foresight, and enthusiasm is rare. It is exactly what it takes to be successful in this industry.”
“What is most impressive about Gabby’s high scholastic achievement is how she balances her coursework with her duties as a volunteer for UNT’s broadcasting network and ownership of her own tutoring business,” said Manuel Grajales, lecturer at the University of North Texas. “Gabby’s work ethic inside and outside of the classroom is awe-inspiring.”
The Wes Vernon Broadcast Scholarship, started in 2021 by Mr. Vernon’s family, provides $5,000 annually to a student who demonstrates a commitment to a career in broadcast journalism. The award can be renewed for up to three years. Named in memory of the late Wes Vernon, a prolific radio journalist whose career included national political reporting from Washington, D.C., the scholarship intends to remove barriers for students from backgrounds underrepresented in broadcast journalism.
“Gabrielle has already shown that she has what it takes to succeed,” said Emily Wilkins, National Press Club president. “She is not afraid of hard work and has already accomplished so much. And her desire to blaze a trail for young women interested in sports journalism is exactly what our industry needs. We’re excited to support her as she continues to meet her goals.”
In addition to funding, scholarship winners are awarded one-year complimentary membership to the National Press Club. National Press Club scholarships are administered by its nonprofit affiliate, the National Press Club Journalism Institute. Support the Institute’s student-focused programming with a donation today.
For press inquiries or questions about the National Press Club scholarship programs, contact Beth Francesco with the National Press Club Journalism Institute at [email protected].