BRANCHVILLE—A passion for language has recently helped earn Dr. Deborah Goodwyn her second Emmy Award.

The Branchville resident was on a team that created a promotional piece for Virginia State University, where she is an associate professor of English. Goodwyn is also known locally as chairwoman of the Southampton County School Board.

The Emmy, which recognizes excellence in the television industry, was given in the category of Education/Schools — Program Segment and Program/Special. She said the recognition was for her work as coordinating producer of Episode 9 of VSU Today, which is Virginia State University’s news magazine program. Although the show aired last year on Richmond TV station, it’s available for viewing at https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=CZ24UiyC1R4. The program lasts a little over 28 minutes.

Goodwyn said she also collaborated with Jesse Vaughan to write the script for the commercial “Blair Underwood on ROTC.” Vaughan, who is special assistant to the VSU president, also has among his credits directing the feature film, “Juwanna Mann.” The aim is to increase awareness of the VSU’s Reserved Officers’ Training Corps program.

“I was nominated but did not win in the category of Writing — Short Form for the work I did with the Blair Underwood piece,” she added.

No, she didn’t get to meet him. But rubbing shoulders with actors was not her motivation for the project.

“Because of my interest in writing,” said Goodwyn. “I was invited to work on the project with Keith Miller, president. Two or three years ago he started as an initiative to increase visibility of the university. We did a series of commercials, but also to create a positive message about education.

“The exciting thing for me is to see the words on the page translated onto screen. I love words, the way they sound and that they convey the exact meaning. It’s just an exciting process for me.”

She further explained that the role in helping to produce the program featured her “serving as a liaison between the faculty and the producer, ensuring that the content was consistent with Virginia State University’s theme/message of ‘Building a Better World;’ reviewing stories to make sure that the content was accurate and compelling; looking at segments to ensure that they were effectively organized and placed in program.”

The award took place June 14 at the National Capital Chesapeake Bay Chapter’s 56th Emmy Awards ceremony in Silver Spring, Maryland. However, Goodwyn was not present for her moment in the spotlight. She was much closer to home to celebrate the graduation of Southampton High School seniors, many of whom will be going on to higher education.

Dr. Alvera Parrish, division superintendent, praised her colleague in education.

“We are very proud of Dr. Goodwyn winning the Emmy award for the production of commercials promoting Virginia State University. Her work reflects her dedication to providing opportunities for students to continue their education by attending a university,” Parrish stated in an email.

“In addition, the commercials provide information which intentionally invites students to benefit from the many program options and experiences offered through Virginia State University. Dr. Goodwyn is committed to students exploring career options and ensuring a college-focused culture. We congratulate her on this great accomplishment and wish her the best, as she continues her work to further educational opportunities.”

As mentioned at the start, the Emmy was not her first. Last year she participated in writing for some other commercials and won for writing in short form. Angela Bassett, another actress, spoke on education and promotion VSU.

That first Emmy, however, won’t be found in Branchville. Goodwyn said with a laugh that her daughter is its caretaker.

“I am excited about winning,” said the educator. “But perhaps my gratefulness exceeds my excitement. I am grateful that Dr. Keith T. Miller, our university’s president who had increasing the visibility of Virginia State University — its history, its academic programs, its contributions to ‘building a better world since 1882’ — through the creation of award-winning video content as one of his objectives; I am pleased that Dr. Miller gave me an opportunity to contribute to this initiative.

“I am especially thankful for and grateful to my friend Jesse Vaughan, the experienced Hollywood producer and director who is the creator, director, and producer of VSU Today and much of other video content being created at the university, for showing me that an English teacher who loves words and enjoys editing can make a contribution to television arts and sciences.

“I never, ever thought that I would be the recipient of an Emmy award,” Goodwyn said. “And now, thanks to Jesse, I have two.”