New scholarship benefits aspiring broadcasters

Determined to assist women enrolled in the Virginia Commonwealth University School of Mass Communications’ broadcast sequence, alumna Chandra Broadnax-Payne (B.S. ’98; M.S. ’02) recently pledged to donate an annual scholarship for the next 10 years.

After graduating from the broadcast journalism sequence, Broadnax-Payne worked for Blab TV, a cable-access channel that offered information dealing with local issues, people and unique products. There she managed the teleprompter and worked as a camera operator. Later, she completed a production internship at PBS Channel 23 in Richmond, Va. She now manages a Bank of America banking center in Tennessee.

“I place a lot of value on education and realize that I’ve been successful in my career because of my education,” Broadnax-Payne said. “As the first to graduate from college in my family, I was able to attend VCU with the help of financial aid and, at times, worked multiple jobs to help fund my education. So I know firsthand how it feels to want an education and not be able to afford it.”

Broadnax-Payne’s scholarship in the amount of $500 is designated for exceptional women who are active in their community and who are enrolled full time in the School of Mass Communications. They must write a 250-word essay about their passion and motivations.

“It feels great after a hard day’s work to go home and know you've made a difference in someone's life,” Broadnax-Payne said.

To make a gift to the School of Mass Communications, contact Michael Hughes, assistant director for development, at (804) 827-3761 or mehughes@vcu.edu.