Meet Matthew Jebb, Jr., 2025 Frank R. Stansberry Scholarship Recipient
Each year, the PRSA Orlando Frank R. Stansberry Scholarship honors a University of Central Florida student who exemplifies academic excellence, leadership and a passion for the public relations profession. Established to support and celebrate future communication leaders, the scholarship is awarded to full-time sophomore, junior or senior students in UCF’s Nicholson School of Communication and Media.
Named in honor of Frank R. Stansberry — a 1989 UCF graduate, Alumni Hall of Fame inductee and longtime Nicholson School faculty member — the scholarship reflects his lifelong commitment to mentorship and professional advocacy within the communications field.
This year, we are proud to recognize Matthew Jebb, Jr. as one of the scholarship recipients. Below, Matthew shares what this honor means to him and how it is shaping his plans beyond graduation.
Name: Matthew Jebb, Jr.
Majors/Minors: Bachelor of Arts in Advertising/Public Relations, with a minor in World Religions and Cultural Studies
Anticipated Graduation Date: Spring 2028
What does receiving the scholarship mean to you?
Receiving the PRSA Orlando Frank R. Stansberry Scholarship is such an honor, and confirmation of my decision to pursue public relations. This scholarship is a motivator to continue developing my AD/PR skills while engaging with the professional Orlando PR community. I’m grateful for the investment PRSA Orlando makes in students and emerging professionals. The Frank R. Stansberry Scholarship has been a stepping stone for incredible opportunities to connect with and learn from PR professionals in the greater Orlando area.
What interests you the most about PR and communication?
Ever since high school, I’ve had a passion for building relationships, strategic storytelling, and creating connections between organizations and their audiences. Initially, I didn’t know what career path aligned with this passion, but now I have been able to integrate my natural skillsets with an industry that suits them.
What area of PR and communications are you most excited to keep learning about?
I am especially drawn to how strategic communication can bring clarity, build trust, and strengthen communities. During my time in the UCF AD/PR program, I have developed a stronger interest in community engagement, event-based communication, and digital storytelling. I enjoy learning how messaging and visuals work together to create impact and capture the heart of the organization.
What have been some of your most impactful classes or campus involvement?
The UCF LEAD Scholars Academy has been my most impactful academic experience at UCF. Throughout the program, I have learned about leadership and communication by serving as a peer mentor this semester and presenting professional presentations to and leading service initiatives with a freshman class.
UCF CRU has been by far my most meaningful campus involvement, where I have served as a community group leader for weekly meetings with a college men’s group of 25-30 as a support system for fellowship and personal growth.
What are your plans after graduation? What’s your dream job?
My most immediate plans after graduation are to earn a master’s degree in the sphere of religion and philosophy. I hope to learn Greek and Hebrew to better understand ancient ways of thinking, different realms of thought and perspectives, and the human condition overall.
My dream career is being able to serve as a communicator to serve others, uplift my community, and see transformation in individual lives through fellowship, philanthropy, and outreach through the local church.
