Missouri Broadcasters Association Awards $25,000 in Scholarships

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo., February 20, 2026 – The Missouri Broadcasters Association announced Friday that eight MBA Foundation Scholarships were awarded to Missouri students studying to be broadcasters.

“There was strong interest in our scholarship program this year. Selecting from the large pool of applicants wasn’t easy, but these eight recipients stood out as very impressive students,” said Chad Mahoney, President and CEO of the Missouri Broadcasters Association. “Not only are these students excelling in their classwork, many of them are involved with their campus stations or have part-time jobs at our MBA member stations. The future of Missouri broadcasting looks bright!”

Here are the scholarship recipients:

• Caleb Brownley, from Carrollton, is a University of Central Missouri student working at Carter Media in Carrollton.
• Keaston Chaplin, from Reeds Spring, is a Senior at Reeds Spring High School planning to major in Broadcast Journalism at either Missouri State University or the University of Missouri.
• Brad Hadank, from Bolivar, is a University of Central Missouri student majoring in Digital Media Production.
• Titus Holmes, from Kansas City, is a University of Missouri Kansas City student majoring in Communications and Journalism.
• Anna Ince, from Louisiana, is a Lindenwood University student majoring in Communications/Broadcast Journalism.
• Nathan Johnson, from Point Lookout, is a College of the Ozarks student majoring in Broadcast Journalism.
• Nickolas McKinley, from Reeds Spring, is a Film and Broadcasting major at Evangel University.
• Samantha Williams, from Springfield, is an Evangel University student majoring in Communications and Journalism.

The 2026 MBA Foundation Scholarship class will be recognized during the MBA Awards banquet on June 6, which caps off the two-day MBA Convention at Lake of the Ozarks.

Scholarship recipients are invited to attend the event as the MBA’s guests—not only to be recognized, but also to network with broadcasters and hiring managers from MBA member stations.

“There are many diverse career opportunities at local radio and TV stations—from being a digital creator to delivering an on-air broadcast. Stations are true creative factories and exciting places to work,” Mahoney said. “We hope to see these students joining the teams at our MBA member stations very soon.”

About the MBA Foundation

The Missouri Broadcasters Association Foundation, a 501(c)(3), is the charitable and educational arm of the MBA. It helps ensure a strong future for the broadcasting/digital media profession.

The Foundation is focused on enhancing the future of Missouri broadcasting/digital media by providing scholarships for students and member services that offer continuing education for professionals.

The Missouri Broadcasters Association Foundation is supported by the philanthropy of our member stations, community members and organizations. Your donation could make a big difference in a student’s ability to pursue a broadcasting/digital media degree and enter our industry.

Donation checks may be sent to:
Missouri Broadcasters Association Foundation
1025 Northeast Dr.
Jefferson City, MO 65109

If you wish to make a donation via credit/debit card, please click here or call the MBA office at 573-636-6692.

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