Dontay Allen
2010 sports journalism graduate
Oklahoma Press Association scholar 

Campus newcomer Dontay Allen is anything but a rookie when it comes to career experiences. The incoming freshman sports journalism major reviewed several collegiate offers before calling himself a Cowboy. His ultimate decision rested almost entirely on one organization.

Offered a scholarship by the Oklahoma Press Association, Allen jumped at the chance to study media techniques with the encouragement of the state’s leading professional journalism association.

“Being selected as a scholarship recipient gives me confidence in my writing abilities and inspires me to pursue my goal of becoming a sports writer,” Allen said.  “It is an honor to receive any scholarship, but to win one from an organization as well-respected as the Oklahoma Press Association is truly something to be proud of.”

Throughout high school, Allen built an impressive resume of newspaper experiences. A seasoned sports columnist and editor at Putnam City North High School in Oklahoma City, Allen received excellence awards from the Oklahoma Interscholastic Press Association and The Oklahoman. Although he dreamed of attending college, Allen depended on scholarship support to continue his education.

“This scholarship allows me to pursue my dream career,” Allen said. “I’m confident that OSU’s journalism program will prepare me to succeed, and the Oklahoma Press Association scholarship provides the financial boost to make it happen.”

Established over 20 years ago, the Oklahoma Press Association scholarships at Oklahoma State University provide educational funding for students studying newspaper and print journalism. Allen’s scholarship benefits students focusing on sports media, while others provide assistance for other prospective print journalists.

“We support the University’s effort to prepare vibrant, creative journalism students,” Oklahoma Press Association Executive Vice President Mark Thomas said.  “In the future, the public will depend on these young journalists to report the news and help people interpret events in the world around them.   We believe scholarships show students and their parents, in a very tangible way, that their choice is important to us and also in creating a better future for all of us.”   

Since 1906, the Oklahoma Press Association has provided professional and support services to more than 200 state newspapers. Encouraging an educated workforce, the organization offers scholarship programs to students at Oklahoma colleges and university.

“The long term commitment to the School of Journalism and Broadcasting by the Oklahoma Press Association has been of tremendous importance to our students and there are dozens who are grateful for the support it offers” said Tom Weir, OSU School of Journalism and Broadcasting director.  “In many cases, Print Journalism Endowment scholarships have enabled students to come here that would not have been able to otherwise.”

The Oklahoma Press Association award thirteen scholarships to OSU students like Dontay for the 2006-2007 academic year. Although three recipients are freshman who can’t officially declare journalism major until they complete certain coursework requirements, Weir says their decision to award scholarships was a leap of faith that greatly benefits everyone involved.

“There was obviously a risk in this, but the members of the board felt strongly that our ability to actively recruit quality students was worth it,” Weir said.  “That decision has paid off in many ways, and our ability to convince Dontay Allen to come to Stillwater is one example.”

Allen says he is excited about beginning his OSU education, and looks forward to establishing new relationships while refining his journalism skills. Thanks to encouragement from the Oklahoma Press Association, Allen is one step closer to his dream job: owning his own newspaper and, of course, serving as lead sports writer.

“Dontay is a wonderful young man who displays the enthusiasm and passion we need in journalism,” Thomas said.  “He is a wonderful recipient and will do well at OSU and beyond.”

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