Emily Shea Awarded the 2017 Jim Bob and Dottie Tinsley Journalism Scholarship

The Transylvania County Schools Educational Foundation (TCSEF) is proud to announce and to congratulate Emily Shea, a 2014 Brevard High School graduate, as the 2017 recipient for the Jim Bob and Dottie Tinsley Journalism Scholarship, an award of $1500.

Emily is a senior at UNC-Asheville majoring in mass communication with a focus in journalism.  After beginning her studies at UNCA as a pre-medicine major, Emily discovered her passion for writing during a Basic Journalism course last fall and she has not looked back.  Over the past year, she has diligently worked to develop her journalism skills.  Emily is a regular contributor to several area online publications and she was especially excited to have one of her articles selected to be featured with the Huffington Post in March 2017.  Emily’s dedication to her craft has led her to be selected as the editor-in-chief for the UNC-Asheville chapter of the Odyssey Online.

Emily regularly volunteers with the Black Mountain based non-profit, Bounty & Soul.  This summer, she is working as a Health Communications Intern with the organization, which allows her to practice journalism by writing for social media and marketing campaigns that focus on tackling food insecurity in Western NC.

The Tinsley Journalism Scholarship was established by the Jim Bob Tinsley Museum and its board of directors in recognition of Jim Bob and Dottie Tinsley. Since 2012, TCSEF has awarded $7000 for this scholarship.

Jim Bob Tinsley was born in Brevard in 1921 and was educated in Transylvania County Schools. His long career entailed many areas of journalism and communications. Mr. Tinsley was an author of books on wildlife, a photographer of Transylvania County waterfalls, and a professional country and western musician. He received many awards and honors for his lifetime work. Mr. Tinsley passed away in 2004.  For questions regarding how to support the Jim Bob and Dottie Tinsley Journalism Scholarship, please contact TCSEF Executive Director, Cressa Megown, and 828.513.0389 with any questions.