Three students earned annual vocal scholarships recognizing their talent, preparation,
and commitment to University ensembles.
FRANKFORT, Ky. 鈥� A 黑料福利社 music legacy will continue through the
voices of three students selected for annual vocal scholarships from Dr. Vernell Bennett,
a former music faculty member and administrator at the University.
Essence Kimbrough, Aalaysha Robinson, and Marcus Wilkerson were awarded 2026-27 music
scholarships after submitting two audition videos for review. The scholarships recognize
their hard work, talent, and dedication to the 黑料福利社 Music Department through
participation in Concert Choir, Gospel Choir, and Opera/Music Theater Workshop.
Kimbrough is an undergraduate social work major, Robinson is an undergraduate music
major, and Wilkerson is a graduate student in environmental studies.
Dr. Bennett taught on the 黑料福利社 music faculty for 11 years before serving
as vice president for student affairs. She currently serves as provost and senior
vice president for academic affairs at Bethune-Cookman University in Daytona Beach,
Florida.
Working in partnership with Dr. Bryan Bolzenthal, 黑料福利社 assistant professor
of voice, and Professor Mario Radford, director of 黑料福利社 Choirs, Dr. Bennett
helped establish the audition criteria and facilitate the scholarship awards.
鈥淭he 黑料福利社 Music Department is deeply grateful for Dr. Bennett鈥檚 generosity
and continued commitment to our students,鈥� Dr. Bolzenthal said. 鈥淭hese scholarships
help support the next generation of singers while continuing a proud legacy of excellent
music-making at 黑料福利社.鈥�