Month: April 2024

The Marshall University Foundation has announced the establishment of the Pheister Family Scholarship for Media Excellence. This scholarship is generously provided by Jason Pheister and his wife, Erin Tunis Pheister. Jason Pheister is a 2001 graduate of Marshall University with a bachelor’s degree in journalism and broadcasting. He was one of four individuals inducted into the W. Page Pitt School of Journalism and Mass Communications Hall of Fame this spring.

“I’m originally from Columbus but spent almost eight years in West Virginia between Marshall and working at local TV stations. The state holds a special place in my heart forever which is why it was so important that we pay it forward,” Pheister said.

As a multi-time Emmy award-winning journalist, he worked for several media companies, including WSAZ, WOWK, WCMH, WBNS, as well as The Columbus Dispatch. He also has led television and digital networks for Time Warner Cable across the country. He is the vice president of content and news at Spectrum Networks for Charter Communications. In addition to his bachelor’s degree, he has a Master of Business Administration from Ohio University and a Master of Science in Innovation from Northeastern University.

Jason Pheister began learning about journalism in high school as he was involved with his school’s newspaper as well as its TV program. As a junior and senior, he had the opportunity to come to Marshall for high school journalism competitions. The professors, such as Dr. George Arnold, Dr. Charles G. Bailey and Dr. Ralph Turner, took a great interest in him, he said, and the overall experience is what led him to Huntington to attend Marshall for his bachelor’s degree.

“My time at Marshall and in Huntington had a profound impact on my life and career and we wanted to find a way to help others have that same experience,” Pheister said.

The scholarship recipient shall be at least a sophomore journalism major in the School of Journalism and Mass Communications who is in good academic standing with a 3.0 GPA and has financial need per the standards of the Office of Student Financial Assistance. First preference to a student from Columbus, Ohio. Second preference to a student from Ohio and third preference to a student from West Virginia.

“It’s our intent that the scholarship be awarded to an innovative and aspiring student pursuing a career in journalism and media. We truly hope this can help someone,” Pheister said.

Student scholarship recipients were honored Saturday at Marshall University during the 2024 Scholarship Honor Brunch, hosted by the Marshall University Foundation. This annual event recognizes those students who are beneficiaries of privately funded scholarships, as well as the donors and families who made the awards possible.

Dr. Ron Area, CEO and senior vice president of development of the Marshall Foundation, delivered a special welcome to more than 400 students and donors who attended the event in the Don Morris Room of the Memorial Student Center.

“The Scholarship Honor Brunch unites scholarship recipients and donors, underscoring our dedication to enhancing ongoing support for Marshall University and its students,” Area said. “We are steadfast in our mission to broaden educational access for our students and deeply grateful for the generosity of our donors, who invest in Marshall through their contributions and active participation in today’s event.”

Bonnie Bailey, director of Student Support Services Program, served as the featured speaker. The program, which is federally funded, targets students who are first-generation, the first in their family to complete a four-year degree, and income-eligible.

Senior Amelya Bostic from Grundy, Virginia, served as the student speaker. A communication disorders major slated to graduate at the end of April. Bostic spoke about the positive impact Student Support Services has had on her throughout her time at Marshall.

“As an out-of-state student, financially college could have been hard for me but with SSS I was able to navigate class and financial aid to graduate early and with very low debt,” Bostic said.

“Through the community I found, I was able to gain the confidence to try new things and find a place where I belong,” she continued. “In addition to this community, SSS has connected me to every department or important person I have needed on my journey here at Marshall from financial aid, housing, academics and community. My time here could have been more difficult without the tools and people SSS knew I needed.”

Bailey began working as a counselor with the Student Support Services Program in July 2005. Before becoming the director and counselor for the SSS Program, she worked as a residential, outpatient and school-based therapist. As a daughter of Marshall, Bailey earned a bachelor’s degree in counseling, a master’s degree in mental health counseling, and an Ed.S. in counseling curriculum. She is a licensed professional counselor (LPC) and approved licensed professional supervisor (ALPS) for West Virginia.

Bailey’s program boasts a more than 96 percent persistence, a 98 percent academic good standing rate, and a 76 percent graduation rate, which shows that early intervention, consistent support and relationships truly can and do make all the difference.

“Our program has helped students since 1971. As a first-generation and former student in the program to a staff member since 2005, I can tell you services look different now because the world is quickly moving and changing,” Bailey said. “However, one thing about our services has remained the same – relationships. While these relationships produce great retention and graduation rates, students also grow and achieve their goals. For me, my favorite part of the job is the student-facing responsibilities that promotes the success of our students.”

The College of Arts and Media’s School of Theatre and Dance, along with the School of Music, ended the program with a performance from the musical “Godspell.”

To learn how to establish a scholarship to help students at Marshall, contact Krystle Davis at the Marshall University Foundation by phone at 304-696-6781 or by email at krystle.davis@marshall.edu.