JCSU Shining Star Earns Van Wagner Sports and Entertainment Opportunity

Image
Photo of Shakoya Brown

CHARLOTTE, N.C./Feb. 20, 2018 – Shakoya Brown is a sophomore communications arts major at Johnson C. Smith University who has taken advantage of opportunities to jumpstart her career while attending the university. She is what you would call an ‘opportunist.’

In November 2017, she was awarded an internship with Van Wagner Sports and Entertainment, while serving as the university’s Coca-Cola ambassador during the 2017 Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) Football Championship in Salem, Virginia.

At the championship, she worked with JCSU alumna Allie Butler ’15 and the marketing asset manager for Colleges and Universities at Coca-Cola Consolidated Bottling Company. She showed up. She worked hard.  She shined bright.

As an intern, Shakoya will be responsible for creating and maintaining CIAA social media accounts, by developing a monthly social media calendar for all events during the tournament. She will also be responsible for developing content for community and national partners.

Shakoya is thrilled about the opportunity. Not only will it provide experience, but she will develop skills that will propel her in the future. 

“Interning for Van Wagner Sports and Entertainment will give me the hands-on experience that I need. Being able to work directly with this company as we prepare for the CIAA Basketball Tournament and other sport/entertainment events is exciting and an opportunity that I will cherish forever,” she said.

Through this internship, she hopes to learn about digital media marketing, project management and development. She would also like to gain insight about what it takes to establish corporate sponsorship and maintain media benefits for major companies.

Shakoya is a stellar student. She holds a 3.5 grade point average and she is involved in several campus organizations, such as the Golden Bull Activities Committee, public relations coordinator for the Student Government Association and the Women's Intercultural Exchange.

JCSU has opened a plethora of doors for me. The JCSU community provides me with reassurance that I can accomplish my goals with the right kind of motivation and hard work,” she continued. 

Related Articles

President Kinloch processes up the aisle with SGA President Islaea Anderson
An important moment of initiation begins with an auspicious sound: the African drums with infectious rhythm, the click-clack of heels all in a row calling across the landscape. The Johnson C. Smith University Class of 2030 began its march to the Jane M. Smith Memorial Church. Freshman Convocation 2026 would soon begin, a formal start to the students’ JCSU journey.
View Content
Students on the field at Panthers' Stadium
Eight Johnson C. Smith University scholars participated in the President's Student Cohort for the Sports, Entertainment, & Business Experience (SEBE) Foundation. This group of vibrant JCSU scholars represented the College of Business and Professional Studies, namely its Department of Health and Human Performance's Sport Management program and the Department of Business Administration's Business Administration program.
View Content
Conference Participants at the historic Ebenezer Baptist Church
Dr. Cindy J. Kistenberg, Professor of Theatre and Communication, participated in the 2026 August Summit for Black Pastors and Rabbis, held August 24–26 in Atlanta, Georgia, as part of her ongoing work with the Charlotte Black/Jewish Alliance and Spill the Honey. Dr. Kistenberg also served as the official photographer for the event.
View Content
Back To Top