179 MTSU’s CHRISTOPHER JOHNSON EARNS JOURNALISM SCHOLARHIP

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Nov. 7, 2007
CONTACT: Office of News and Public Affairs, 615-494-8857

MTSU’s CHRISTOPHER JOHNSON EARNS JOURNALISM SCHOLARHIP
Los Angeles Native-MTSU Football Player First Male and African American Recipient

(MURFREESBORO, Tenn.)—Christopher Jevon Johnson of Murfreesboro recently was chosen as the 2007-08 recipient of the Lisa L. Rollins Journalism Scholarship at MTSU.
A senior majoring in electronic media/radio-television, Johnson is the first male and the first African American to receive the $500 award, which is presented annually by the School of Journalism’s scholarship committee to an outstanding MTSU student majoring in news-editorial, magazine, electronic media, public relations or media design/graphics.
A native of Los Angeles, Johnson attended Loyola High School, where he lettered in football and track and was named to the all-Sierra league during his senior year after grabbing 25 passes for 425 yards and five touchdowns.
Johnson, 21, transferred to MTSU from Tennessee State University in 2006. He currently is a member of MTSU’s Blue Raider football team, where he serves as a wide receiver and on special teams.
Regarding his receipt of the award, Johnson said, “I am proud and grateful to have been the first male chosen for this scholarship. … It is truly a blessing, because I am an out of state student and (funding college study) has really been a struggle. This scholarship helped me out so much.”
Rollins, who serves as part-time journalism professor at MTSU and as director of special media projects, established the scholarship in 2004 to assist journalism majors who excelled academically but demonstrated financial need.
“I am thrilled that Chris is the scholarship designee for this award,” Rollins said. “Although I have yet to meet him face to face, I have spoken with him by phone and e-mail, seen his application materials, and believe him to be an exceptional young man. I am so proud to have him represent this scholarship and honored he applied for it.”
Johnson said he hopes to graduate with a bachelor’s degree in mass communication during the fall 2008 semester and pursue a career in sports broadcasting.
Johnson is the son of Barbara Pitts and Jimmy Johnson, both of Los Angeles.
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• ATTENTION, MEDIA: To secure a jpeg of Johnson for editorial use, please e-mail your request to the Office of News and Public Affairs at MTSU at lrollins@mtsu.edu.