Kent State Student Media is proud to celebrate the first recipients of the Mandy Jenkins Memorial Scholarship, created to honor the life and legacy of a remarkable alumna who helped shape the world of journalism.
Mandy Jenkins earned her bachelor’s degree in news from 91Թ in 2002 and immediately continued on to complete her master’s in media management in 2004. While at Kent State, Mandy found lifelong friendships, fell in love with storytelling, and met her husband, fellow journalist Ben Fischer.
Mandy was deeply committed to the mission of student media and believed in the power of diverse experiences and practical education. She understood the importance of giving students a space to learn, problem-solve and confront the strategic challenges facing the news business. Mandy also held a steadfast belief that “journalism suffers if it excludes the working and middle classes.”
Following Mandy's passing in February 2023 at the age of 42 after a courageous four-year battle with cancer, her husband, along with family and friends, established this scholarship to memorialize her passion for storytelling and her commitment to Student Media at Kent State.
This inaugural year, Student Media worked closely with Ben to thoughtfully determine how to distribute donated funds to ensure the scholarship would have a lasting and meaningful impact for students throughout the academic year.
Celebrating the 2025 Scholarship Recipients
Three outstanding Student Media leaders were selected as the first-ever recipients of the Mandy Jenkins Scholarship. Each student embodies Mandy’s spirit of dedication, curiosity, and storytelling.
Lex Radde
Junior, Journalism Major
Former Kent Stater TV Broadcast Manager and current Monday newscast reporter, Lex is deeply involved in shaping Kent State’s broadcast journalism coverage. Receiving the scholarship has provided vital support:
“Receiving this amazing scholarship is helping me financially behind the scenes so that I am able to stay committed to my education while also utilizing the amazing opportunities student media presents for me to better my portfolio.”
Ari Collins
Junior, Journalism Major
Current Fusion Managing Editor and reporter for The Kent Stater with articles featured in The Burr, Ari has been an active force in Student Media’s storytelling community. The scholarship has helped her continue pursuing her passion:
“I have loved being a part of Kent State's student media during my time here ... I am passionate about my involvement on campus and receiving a scholarship is helping me prioritize it.”
Anthony Leonardi
Senior, Journalism Major
As current Kent Stater News Director and former Sports Director, Anthony leads one of Student Media’s flagship publications while balancing the demands of his coursework and newsroom leadership. The scholarship has lightened that load:
“The Mandy Jenkins Scholarship is lightening my financial burdens and making it easier for me to focus on my work in the classroom and the newsroom rather than having to work a third job while attending school.”
Carrying Mandy’s Spirit Forward
The Mandy Jenkins Memorial Scholarship reflects Mandy’s belief in journalism’s ability to amplify diverse voices and create change. It ensures that students can remain deeply engaged in Student Media while easing financial pressures that too often limit opportunities.
Through this scholarship, Mandy’s passion lives on in the work of students like Lex, Ari, and Anthony — future journalists whose stories, just like Mandy’s, will help shape the world.