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""The Department of Communication Studies and UAB's College of Arts and Sciences could not do what we do without your support. Traditional revenues such as tuition, fees, federal grants, and state funds provide for daily work, but they often vary with the level of state revenues and enrollments.

Gifts from you create a secure, concrete foundation for our future success. They benefit not only students and faculty but also the community as a whole.

Giving Funds

You can contribute to the Department of Communication Studies in a number of ways:

  • The Department of Communication Studies General Fund

    Your gift to the Department of Communication Studies General Fund provides the department with flexibility to support key priorities of the department. Your support allows us to continue to provide outstanding academic programs and world-class research.

  • Byron St. Dizier Endowed Journalism Scholarship

    The Byron St. Dizier Endowed Journalism Scholarship is named in memory of Dr. Bryon St. Dizier, a distinguished and highly regarded faculty member of the UAB Department of Communication Studies. This scholarship is available to Department of Communication Studies students majoring in Journalism or Broadcasting.

    James E. Mills Endowed Scholarship

    The James E. Mills Endowed Scholarship is named in memory of James (Jimmy) Mills, editor of The Birmingham Post-Herald and its predecessor, The Birmingham Post from 1931-1966. The scholarship will be used to assist deserving students who are enrolled in the UAB Department of Communication Studies majoring in Journalism or Broadcasting with an interest in broadcast journalism.

    Dr. John Wittig Public Relations Alumni Endowed Presidential Scholarship

    The Dr. John Wittig Public Relations Alumni Endowed Presidential Scholarship is named in honor Dr. John W. Wittig for his years of dedicated service to UAB, the Department of Communication Studies, the Public Relations program and countless students, faculty and alumni. The scholarship assists deserving public relations students who are enrolled in the UAB Department of Communication Studies majoring in Public Relations.

    Dr. Larry Powell Endowed Award in Communication Studies

    The Dr. Larry Powell Endowed Award is named in honor of longtime Department of Communications Studies faculty member Larry Powell. The scholarship will be used to assist deserving students who are enrolled in the Department of Communication Studies in the College of Arts and Sciences at UAB. Your gift will provide the department an opportunity to build on the extraordinary foundation Dr. Powell has helped to create.

    Megan Louise Montgomery Endowed Memorial Scholarship

    The Megan Louise Montgomery Endowed Memorial Scholarship is named in memory of alumna Megan Montgomery. A prolific and talented writer, Megan earned her undergraduate degree and Master’s degree from the Department of Communications Studies. This memorial scholarship will honor Megan’s memory as well as assist promising students who are pursuing a degree in communication studies.

    Trotter Endowed Scholarship in Communication Studies

    The Trotter Endowed Scholarship in Communication Studies is named for Mrs. Janet C. and Mr. Charles O. Trotter to pay tribute to their exemplary commitment to education and the greater Birmingham community. Established to provide financial assistance to promising students enrolled in the UAB Department of Communication Studies.

    Victoria A. and Ralph A. Johnson Endowed Scholarship

    The Victoria A. and Ralph A. Johnson Endowed Scholarship is named for Victoria and Ralph Johnson in honor of their many years of service to UAB. The scholarship fund rewards deserving students who are enrolled in the UAB Department of Communication Studies. Preference will be given students who are nontraditional, first generation students.

    Dr. William R. Self Memorial Endowed Scholarship

    The Dr. William R. Self Memorial Endowed Scholarship is name in memory of Dr. William Self for his commitment to the Department of Communications and in recognition of his many achievements and years of service. Available to Department of Communication Studies students with preference given to applicants who are or have been in the workforce and are returning to school, as well as students who have a disability as registered through UAB Disability Support Services.

  • Annette Shelby Lecture Series Endowed Support Fund

    The Annette Shelby Lecture Series Endowed Support Fund is named in honor of Dr. Annette N. Shelby for her outstanding dedication to the UAB Department of Communication Studies and in recognition of her distinguished career. This endowment enables the department to bring distinguished scholars and professionals in the field of communications studies to UAB.

    Dr. James C. McCroskey Endowed Graduate Student Support Fund

    The Dr. James C. McCroskey Endowed Graduate Student Support Fund in Communication Studies recognizes Dr. McCroskey years of devoted service to UAB, his pioneering contributions to the field of communications studies and his longtime goal of mentoring new generations of students to populate the field. This endowed scholarship is used to provide financial assistance to graduate communication studies students interested in pursuing careers in communications management.

    The Kathryn Cramer Morgan Memorial Fund for Public Speaking Endowment

    The Kathryn Cramer Morgan Memorial Fund for Public Speaking Endowment is named in memory of Kathryn Cramer Morgan. The endowment is used to assist deserving students who are enrolled in the Department of Communication Studies at UAB. This scholarship is available to all Communication Studies students with preference given to students who study or practice public speaking as part of their curriculum.

    Mary Anne Amsbary Endowed Award

    The Mary Anne Amsbary Endowed Award is named in memory of Ms. Mary Anne Amsbary. She is remembered as a community leader, promoter of education, as well as a writer and author. Preference will be given to students with outstanding academic records and community service.

    Rob Rookis Rock Star Award Endowed Award

    The Rob Rookis Rock Star Endowed Award is named in memory of Robert (Rob) Nasief Rookis, alumnus of the UAB Department of Communication Studies Public Relations program. Rob is remembered as a “rock star” who was a proud alumnus of UAB. The endowed award is used to assist deserving students who are enrolled in the Department of Communication Studies with a Public Relations concentration.

    Dr. Virginia Peck Richmond Endowed Award in Communication Management

    The Dr. Virginia Peck Richmond Endowed Award in Communication Management is named in honor of longtime faculty member Virginia Richmond. Dr. The award will go towards qualifying juniors majoring in Communicate Management, whom are also residents of the State of Alabama.


For additional information regarding gifts to the Department of Communication Studies, please contact Camille Epps at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call (205) 996-2154.

We thank you for your support.