Dezmond Ewell (‘18) recalls the exact moment when he decided to leave his history major behind and join the Valenti School of Communication to study broadcast journalism.
“I was sitting with my dad watching ESPN,” said Dezmond. “I turned to look at him and asked ‘why am I not doing this?’ He looked back at me with a confused stare and said, ‘why aren’t you doing this?’”
Today, Dezmond is a content specialist at ESPN in Bristol, Conn., where he engages in digital production and creates feature content for boxing segments.
As a student, Dezmond was a radio talk show host for Coog Radio and a broadcaster for the University of Houston Athletics department. He details how his experiences at the university have greatly helped him in his career.
“The Valenti School helped me get out of my comfort zone,” added Dezmond. “I enjoyed being on-air, but I was not fond of the production side. Through my classes, I had the opportunity to learn both sides of broadcast journalism, which helped me obtain the position I have.”
Dezmond thanks his professors for the opportunities they provided him. He notes that they were always willing to help and genuinely cared about their students’ professional development.
During his senior year, Dezmond decided to attend the National Association of Black Journalists annual convention in Detroit, Mich. He remembers how he used all the money in his savings account and decided to bet on himself.
“I knew this event was an opportunity to network with media professionals and get my name out there,” said Dezmond. “It was the best money I’ve ever spent.”
While he was having breakfast with Fox News sports anchor Rob Parker, an ESPN recruiter overheard him talking about his experience in broadcast journalism. She asked for his resume and said she would be sending him an email.
A couple of months later he was hired by the sports channel.
Dezmond hopes to stay in the world of sports and soon be live on-air. He eventually wants to found a media company focused on historically black colleges and universities.
As a communications professional, he urges all students to learn everything they can.
“Don’t be comfortable, go out and challenge yourself,” concluded Dezmond. “Keep learning and keep growing, it will help you become a well-rounded professional.”
You can follow Dezmond Ewell on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.