NEWS

Alexis Newman, a senior Communication major at Louisiana Tech University, has been awarded the Orland Dodson Memorial Scholarship by the Shreveport Journalism Foundation.

The Dodson Memorial Scholarship is awarded in memory of local radio, television and print journalist Orland Dodson. It is a $1,000 scholarship awarded to college juniors or seniors who are studying journalism. Newman’s academic concentration is journalism.

“I was definitely surprised,” Newman said. “I’d applied to this same scholarship in the past and didn’t receive it, but I decided to give it one more try because I figured it wouldn’t hurt. I applied on a whim, so when I got the email about being awarded the scholarship I was totally caught off guard. I am extremely honored and excited to receive the award. I haven’t thought about it in terms of comparing myself to the other regional competitors, but I hope anyone else who didn’t receive it this year and qualifies in the future will continue to apply like I did.”

Newman received a plaque, which lists the names of the previous recipients, going back to the scholarship’s first recipient, Tech alumna and former Shreveport television news anchor Sonja Bailes in 1991. The plaque will remain at Louisiana Tech for a year.

“This is not our first time winning this award, nor will it be our last,” said Dr. Judith Roberts, Newman’s adviser and professor. “Alexis is highly deserving of this honor with several other of our alumni who have won this award. I am so proud of her and her numerous accomplishments.”

Newman is also a member of the National Society of Collegiate Scholars and is working to re-officiate the French Club on Tech’s club roster.