When licensed professional counselor and Mississippi State alumna Julie Vence Hepp announced the creation of the Thomas J. Vence Memorial Endowed Scholarship in March 2025, it was more than a gift—it was a tribute.

Mississippi State University broadcast students have been recognized this spring for their outstanding work, earning nominations in two categories of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (NATAS) Southeast Chapter Student Production Awards. The nominations include Newscast and News Report – Serious News, highlighting the students’ dedication to high-quality journalism.

Mississippi State University’s Department of Communication student-produced newscast, Take 30 News, earned top honors this spring at the Society of Professional Journalists Region 12 Mark of Excellence Awards, winning Best All-Around Television Newscast—one of the contest’s most prestigious categories.