Pamela Rentz, a senior broadcast journalism major with a minor in African American Studies., has been admitted to the Rhoden Fellowship, a year-long journalism training program designed to develop the next generation of sports journalists from historically black colleges and universities, headed by ESPN's Andscape (formerly the Undefeated).
Former New York Times Award-winning sports columnist William C. “Bill” Rhoden launched the fellowship, in partnership with Andscape, as an opportunity to increase diversity and inclusion in sports journalism. Each year, undergraduates from Historically Black Colleges and Universities apply to participate in the internship.
Former New York Times Award-winning sports columnist William C. “Bill” Rhoden launched the fellowship, in partnership with Andscape, as an opportunity to increase diversity and inclusion in sports journalism. Each year, undergraduates from Historically Black Colleges and Universities apply to participate in the internship.
Part of the fellowship’s learning curriculum includes writing from various onsite events, producing weekly podcasts, pitching creative storytelling ideas and contributing content published on the Andscape digital hub.
Rentz said taking a leap of faith landed her on the FAMUAN staff as managing editor and then at ESPN for the fellowship.
“The most valuable lesson I learned from J-school is to always bet on yourself. Stepping out of your comfort zone and going after opportunities even when intimidated makes all the difference.”
FAMU journalism has a student selected for a Rhoden Fellow in each of the six years the program has existed.