The Connecticut Broadcasters Association has selected an incoming Middlesex Community College student as one of its annual scholarship winners. Shavandalice Davis of New Britain received the award because of her proven talents and desires to pursue a career in broadcasting. She will formally enter the Broadcast-Cinema Associate’s Degree program at MxCC in the fall.
After being laid off from her real estate position, Davis entered the state’s dislocated worker retraining program and learned about educational opportunities available to her. In a former role as a make-up artist, Davis knew a little about the broadcasting industry – but was unsure how she could find her place in this competitive field. She began to research ways to gain experience, and realized an academic approach was the best route for her. This is the first time Davis has attended college on any level.
“I chose to apply to Middlesex Community College because I felt it would give me lots of opportunities for relevant, hands-on experience,” Davis said. “The on-campus broadcasting studio at MxCC is a great place to learn new skills and be creative, and I am excited to take part in the school’s internship program. This is a great new beginning for me.”
Davis’s ultimate goal is to work in radio, or possibly to become a script writer for television or film. She already has written and produced a short, five-minute film and is building a portfolio of her completed works.
“We had a record number of applicants for our scholarships this year, so it was very competitive,” said Don DeCesare, president and general manager at WLIS-AM and WMRD-AM, and a past chairman of the Connecticut Broadcasters Association. “However, Shavandalice truly stood out as a promising talent. We are impressed she chose Middlesex Community College to start her career. While we sometimes overlook community colleges, they continue to be one of the best educational and career-building resources in our state, and in the broadcasting field.”
This year, the Connecticut Broadcasters Association (www.ctba.org) presented more than $80,000 in scholarship funds to students pursuing a career in broadcasting, communications, marketing, engineering, or electronics. Awards are made to Connecticut residents who are entering their first, second, third or fourth year of study in a broadcasting-related area at any university and college in the country.
Founded in 1966, Middlesex Community College (mxcc.edu) is part of the Connecticut State Colleges and Universities Board of Regents for Higher Education. The school offers more than 50 degree or certificate programs at its three locations: the main, 38-acre campus in Middletown, the downtown Meriden Center, and the shoreline in Old Saybrook. The college promotes understanding, learning, ethics, and self-discipline by encouraging critical thinking. Current enrollment exceeds 2,900 full and part-time students, and 1,600 continuing education students.
