In memory of longtime PNA President Tim Williams, the PNA Foundation has established the Tim Williams Legacy Fund to support the Tim Williams Memorial Journalism Scholarships.
This scholarship honors the memory of Tim Williams, and reflects his strong commitment of encouraging, inspiring and supporting bright and aspiring young media professionals. Beginning in 2026, one Pennsylvania high school student and/or one college/university student will be recognized for outstanding contributions to their newsroom. Each award will be $1,000. Applications are submitted as part of the Student Keystone Media Awards Contest, with a deadline in January each year.
Donations can be made online through the Foundation’s Donate Now page. Simply note Tim Williams Legacy Fund in the comments box. Checks payable to the PNA Foundation can be sent to: Tim Williams Legacy Fund, 4000 Crums Mill Road, Suite 101, Harrisburg, PA 17112.
Congratulations to the recipients of the 2026 Tim Williams Memorial Scholarships!
Hannah Epstein, Bryn Mawr and Haverford, Bi-College News
“I am grateful for this recognition and to the Pennsylvania NewsMedia Association for the support they offer to student journalists across the state. I want to thank all those at the Bi-Co News—namely Jessica Schott-Rosenfield and Rana Rastegari—for helping to revive the publication and offering me their endless encouragement.”
Noah Radio, State College Area High School, Lion’s Digest
“I am deeply honored to receive this award. Tim Williams’s work ethic and commitment to journalism are traits I pride myself on replicating and seek to pass on to all of the incredible State High students in the next generation of journalists.”
About Tim Williams
A University of Missouri School of Journalism graduate, Tim bought his first newspaper in 1971, making him the youngest newspaper publisher in the country at that time. Over the next 15 years, he would purchase several other newspapers, all of which won numerous state and national awards for editorial, photography, general excellence and community involvement. He then moved to Arizona to start his press association career, leaving an unprecedented mark both nationally and locally.
In 1989 Tim was hired as executive director of the then-Pennsylvania Newspaper Publishers’ Association. There, he would impact members, guide staff and lead the newspaper industry in countless and enduring ways as executive director, president and CEO. For 22 years, he helmed the Association before retiring in 2010. As one of only nine presidents to direct PNA in its nearly 100 years, Tim’s distinct and dedicated tenure was marked by progress, change and growth. Tim was admired and respected in all corners of the newspaper industry for his strategic thinking, entrepreneurial instincts, professional work ethic and unparalleled commitment.
