Stephen F. Austin State University

Brice Hodge, an SFA senior majoring in radio-television, has been chosen to receive the Mike Shapiro Memorial Scholarship Award, which will provide financial support for his studies during his senior academic year.

The $900 stipend is awarded based on academic accomplishments and demonstrated potential for success in radio-television. The recipient has worked part-time at several stations, including KKOM radio and KETV television in Commerce. He interned at KFOX, Clear Channel Communications in Lufkin and worked for KSAU, the university station at Stephen F. Austin State University.

Hodge plans a career in sports broadcasting and credits his parents, who live in Crandall, Texas, with introducing him to sports and encouraging his career planning. His father, Steve Hodge, is a high school football and track coach and his mother, Linda Hodge, is a middle school counselor.

The recipient played sports at Crandall High School and graduated valedictorian in 2003. He attended Trinity Valley Community College and University of North Texas before transferring to SFA and becoming an honor student.

In its 20 years of existence the Shapiro Awards have supported more than 30 promising broadcasting students at Stephen F. Austin. The program honors the late legendary broadcaster Mike Shapiro, who guided WFAA in Dallas and who taught broadcast management at SFA. Dr. Joe Oliver, professor of communication who directs the awards, helped establish the program in 1986.

Other members of the awards committee are Dr. Al Greule and Sherry Williford, SFA faculty members. Contributors can be made to the Shapiro Scholarship Fund at SFA through the Department of Communication.