Tyler Wilkins awarded first Krensavage-Knight Scholarship
Tyler Wilkins awarded first Krensavage-Knight Scholarship
Tyler Wilkins, a fourth-year journalism and political science double major, is the first recipient of the Krensavage-Knight scholarship.
The annual scholarship goes to a senior journalism student and is provided by Michael Krensavage (ABJ ’89, MBA ’90) and his wife, Mary Krensavage. The scholarship is named for David Knight who was Michael Krensavage’s beloved journalism and English teacher at Spring Valley High School in Columbia, South Carolina.
“I’m grateful to the Krensavage family for their contribution toward my education,” Wilkins said. “Like Michael Krensavage, I also had a teacher in high school inspire me to study journalism and help foster my love for communication and writing.”
Michael Krensavage says Knight’s influence encouraged him to pursue a journalism education at Grady College. He also credits Conrad Fink, a long-time journalism professor at Grady College, for his education and development. In addition to this scholarship, the Krensavage family has donated to the Conrad Fink Scholars Fund.
“We like to help others receive the wonderful education that David Knight and the University of Georgia provided me,” said Mike Krensavage.
Wilkins is from Danielsville, Georgia and expects to graduate in December 2020.
“I hope to produce local journalism in a major city,” said Wilkins. “My dream job would be working as a metro reporter for a major newspaper, like AJC or the Boston Globe, covering city government and the impact of government institutions on communities.”
Wilkins is currently an editorial intern with UGA’s Office of Research Communications where he helps interview faculty members and write stories about the university research. He’s also worked as a reporter for Lake Oconee News and The Red & Black. Wilkins was selected for a summer 2020 internship at the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
As part of the scholarship application, Wilkins had to interview a working journalist he admires. He chose Michael Prochaska, editor of the Oconee Enterprise.
“Prochaska gives me hope in small-town journalism, something that is dear to me and vital to any community,” Wilkins said. “He’s a great journalist, who really cares about the community he covers. Through our interview, I learned why it’s so important to connect with people you interview.”
The winner of the Krensavage-Knight scholarship is chosen by grade point average, resume and the written profile of a working journalist.