J. Malcolm Pace III

Jay Pace went to work at the Herald Progress in 1973. He became editor in 1978 and editor/publisher in 1981 when he purchased the newspaper and printing company. Previously, he had been a reporter with the Richmond Times-Dispatch and was Director of Public Relations for Randolph Macon College in Ashland.

A native of Richmond, Pace earned his B.A. in political science from Randolph Macon College in 1967. He attended graduate school at Louisiana State University and was a graduate of the Education for Ministry program of the University of the South, Sewanee.

During his tenure at the H-P, the newspaper was honored numerous times for its writing, photography, and graphic design. Pace won more than 60 Virginia Press Association citations for editorial, news, feature and sports writing, and graphic design. The newspaper won the VPA's Sweepstakes Award in 1995 and 1996 as the best in its circulation class. A past president of the Virginia Press Association, he served on its board from 1982-1994. Jay also served as president of the Richmond chapter of Society of Professional Journalists.

Jay began his career as a communicator in 1968 when he was named Director of Public Relations at his alma mater, Randolph Macon College. From 1969 until 1981 he broadcast play-by-play for all R-MC football and basketball games, including the college's appearance in the 1969 Knute Rockne Bowl and four trips to NCAA basketball playoffs, including an appearance in the Final Four in 1977. He continued to cover R-MC sports for the Herald Progress.

Jay was a dedicated journalist who believed in freedom of the press and in fairness. His love and dedication for Ashland and Hanover County was seen on a weekly basis in the pages of the Herald Progress and in his constant involvement in the community as a whole. He also touched the lives of hundreds of young people through his life from budding journalists, to youth in athletic leagues in the community and youth in his church work.

Jay passed away on April 12, 2004. This scholarship is a tribute to the memory of Jay. The family knows that Jay would be proud of you and your accomplishments and we salute you in his name. Congratulations!