UIndy Communication Students Earn 2026 Indiana Broadcasters Association Scholarships

Two students from the University of Indianapolis Department of Communication, Ashley Ellison ’27 and Nate Long ’26, were named recipients of the 2026 Indiana Broadcasting Association (IBA) Scholarship. 

The IBA is allied with about 250 radio and television broadcasters and represents the broadcasting industry in Indiana. Their annual scholarship awards ten outstanding broadcasting students from Indiana colleges or universities $5,000 to continue their education. 

Ellison is grateful for the broadcasting education she has received and is eager to keep improving her media skills. 

“Receiving the Indiana Broadcasters Association scholarship for the second year in a row truly reflects how well my communication classes have prepared me,” said Ellison. “Six weeks into my freshman year I was on-air on UIndy Radio, and my love for WICR/UIndy Radio and UIndyTV only grew from there. The opportunities I’ve been given throughout my three years in Experiential Radio and Experiential TV are unmatched compared to any school I was considering back when I was looking at colleges in 2022. This is just a reminder that I’m on the right path and to keep pushing towards my goals.”

Throughout his time in college, Long has worked towards the goal of graduating two and a half years early, and he feels this scholarship will help him reach that goal. 

“From a young age, my parents instilled in me the importance of giving my full effort to everything I pursue,” said Long. “I have carried that lesson with me throughout my life, particularly in my college studies. By completing multiple dual-credit courses in high school and maintaining a high credit load in college, I am on track to graduate in December 2026. Receiving this scholarship would provide the financial stability needed to continue pursuing my education at this accelerated pace and allow me to focus fully on my studies without the added burden of paying for classes.”

Long also feels grateful for the real-world application skills he has learned during his communication classes at UIndy. 

“The communication classes here at UIndy have greatly helped me improve my professional development, which includes preparing me for networking, interviews, and perfecting my craft,” said Long. “I have been given many opportunities to work on projects that interest me and put me in positions of leadership that will prepare me for the next steps after graduating.”