Student Scholarships

The Department of Communication and Media is proud to offer the following scholarships in recognition of the outstanding achievements of our students. Honorees are notified at various times throughout the fall and spring semesters. Recipients for all awards listed below (except for the CAH Outstanding Student Award) are chosen by the Communication and Media Department faculty.

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Carol A. Branca Scholarship
Eligibility: Students majoring in Communication Studies or Media & Culture

This scholarship, established by the Branca family in honor of Carol Branca, is awarded to a B.A. communications studies major who has an overall GPA of 3.5 or better at the end of the first semester of the sophomore year. To qualify, students must have completed three semesters at the University, and a minimum of 15 credits per semester. The scholarship is renewable provided the recipient continues as a communications studies major and maintains a GPA of 3.5 or better. Transfer students with more than six credits are not eligible for the scholarship.

Communications Studies Alumni Chapter Scholarship
Eligibility: Students majoring in Communication Studies, Media & Culture, or pursuing Graduate Certificate in Digital Media Marketing

This scholarship has been established to support the academic success for a deserving student who meets the requirements of completing 90 credits, has an overall GPA of 2.8, and displays leadership on campus or through the community.

Joseph Brady Scholarship
Eligibility: Students enrolled in WCU meeting the requirements below

This scholarship was funded by Joe Brady, a Veteran who attended 12 years of night school to obtain his undergraduate degree despite never being the best student in high school, while working full time, and raising a family. His degree enabled him to have a professional career for 40 years and build a successful business in retirement. His dream was to have every willing student attend a traditional university at the lowest cost possible, leading to great paying jobs.

Students must meet one of the following criteria:

  1. A Veteran at WCU
  2.  Enrolled in the Academic Success Program (ASP)
  3. Identity as BIPOC, Latinx, LGBTQIA+
  4. Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA)


AND match all of the following criteria:
Students must have taken, or are currently taking SPK 208, SPK 230, or COM 209 at WCU and completed the College of Arts and Humanities General Application. Transfer students can qualify with proof of completing an equivalent course at your prior institution.
A minimum of 2.7 GPA
Non-DACA students must also demonstrate financial need by completing their FAFSA.

The Michael G. Maybroda Memorial Scholarship 
Eligibility: Students majoring in Communication Studies, Media & Culture, or pursuing a Graduate degree in Communication Studies

This fund was created to commemorate the life of Michael Maybroda which was cut short too early and to honor his legacy, celebrate his accomplishments, and exemplify his commitment to serving the community.

Students must have a minimum 2.5 GPA, and proven devotion to community service.

The Carolyn Keefe Forensic Scholarship
Eligibility: Students who have completed two years on the WCU Forensics Team

This scholarship will support a second, third, or fourth-year participant on the WCU Forensics Team with a GPA of 3.0 and is a member of Pi Kappa Delta, a National Forensics Honorary.

All below criteria must be met:

  1.  Completed at least two years on the WCU Forensics Team
  2. Participated in active competition in the year of nomination
  3. Return to WCU and participate in active competition the following year
  4. Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0
  5. Be a member of Pi Kappa Delta, National Forensics Honorary 

CAH Outstanding Student Award 
Eligibility: Graduating Seniors Majoring in any CAH Discipline

This award is given each spring to a graduating senior who is majoring in a College of Arts & Humanities (CAH) discipline and who demonstrates exceptional intellectual or creative achievement and strong extracurricular and service activities. Students must be nominated by a CAH faculty member and hold a minimum GPA of 3.5; nominees then submit an application form, personal statement, resume, and two faculty letters of recommendation. Nomination and application deadlines are usually announced by the CAH dean’s office early in the spring semester and typically fall in late March or early April. For more information, please contact the CAH dean's office.