L.I.F.T. Scholarship supports DSU students pursuing careers in communications and media

Delaware State University students Nina-Simone Pettis and Darien D. Robinson are making the most of their time at DSU, turning their passion for communications into leadership, television production and creative work across campus.

As recipients of the Hornets L.I.F.T. Marketing & Media Scholarship, the two mass communications students now have additional support to continue building on those experiences and pursuing their goals at DSU.

Pettis, from Seattle, Washington, and Robinson, from Dover, Delaware, have each found unique ways to apply their skills while balancing their academic responsibilities and active involvement in campus life.

The Hornets L.I.F.T. Marketing & Media Scholarship supports DSU students pursuing careers in areas such as marketing, journalism, public relations, digital media production and social media management. Awards range from $1,000 to $2,500 and are renewable.

The scholarship builds on the work of L.I.F.T., which stands for Leverage, Inform, Focus and Transform. Dr. Dawn Mosley, senior associate vice president of Marketing and Communications, founded the initiative in 2021 to bring people from across the University together to share information, expertise and ideas while strengthening communication and collaboration at DSU.

In its first year, more than 70 people from offices, departments and colleges across the University participated in biweekly L.I.F.T. meetings. That work grew into the inaugural L.I.F.T. Conference in July 2022, which brought about 80 students, faculty, staff, administrators and athletics personnel together at the Martin Luther King Jr. Student Center.

The conference offered sessions on University branding, media relations, social media, event planning, accessibility and other areas related to communications and engagement.

Mosley said the scholarship provides another way to carry the purpose behind L.I.F.T. forward by investing directly in students.

“L.I.F.T. has always been about bringing people together, sharing knowledge and creating opportunities for growth,” Mosley said. “Through this scholarship, we are able to invest directly in students who are developing their talents and preparing to become the next generation of communications professionals.”

For Pettis, the scholarship represents both financial support and recognition of the work she has put into her education.

“Receiving the L.I.F.T. Scholarship means recognition of my hard work and commitment to my education, along with confidence in my potential,” Pettis said. “It’s an opportunity to focus on my goals at DSU while knowing I have support that helps reduce financial strain.”

Pettis serves as junior class president, Miss NMDP and social media team lead for DESU-TV. She is also a Career Services intern.

As junior class president, Pettis is looking forward to strengthening connections across campus and creating opportunities for students during the academic year.

After graduation, she hopes to become a film director and producer.

“I want to create meaningful stories and use my communication background to bring people together through media,” Pettis said.

Robinson is entering his third year at DSU and stays active through the Approaching Storm Marching Band, DESU-TV and several student organizations. He also works in photography, videography and multimedia production.

Beyond campus, Robinson runs D-Rob Productions, a multimedia business offering photography and videography services.

“Receiving the L.I.F.T. Scholarship is a big deal to me because it’s an investment in my education, future, and goals,” Robinson said. “It encourages me to keep pushing academically and personally, knowing others believe in my potential and want to see me succeed.”

Robinson said the scholarship will lessen his financial burden and give him more room to focus on academics, campus activities and professional growth.

He hopes to become a film producer or work in the film and cinema industry.

“I want to leverage my background in digital media, photography, videography, and storytelling to produce impactful visual content and eventually participate in larger film and media projects,” Robinson said.

Mosley said Pettis and Robinson reflect the kind of student growth L.I.F.T. was created to encourage.

“Nina-Simone and Darien are already finding ways to apply their talents through leadership, communications and creative work,” Mosley said. “Supporting students like them is an investment not only in their education, but in the voices and ideas they will bring to the communications industry after they leave Delaware State University.”

A total of four students have received the L.I.F.T. Scholarship this academic year, with hopes of expanding the program to support even more students in the future.