Wheeling University Student Mallory Bozovich Finding Success on Stage

September 15, 2026

Wheeling University Student Mallory Bozovich Finding Success on Stage

WHEELING, W. Va., September 15 - After years of writing songs and performing on stage, Wheeling University Junior Mallory Bozovich is receiving regional and national recognition.

Nationally, she has been nominated for two awards that honor independent music artists. And, closer to home, Bozovich will open for a pop artist performing in Pittsburgh in October.

The Business and Communications major, and daughter of Dr. Melissa Bozovich, Director of the Master of Science Athletic Training program at the University, has been nominated for two 2026 Josie Awards: Fans Choice Award and Female Vocalist of the Year. She will travel to Nashville the weekend of September 18 to attend the awards show at the Grand Ole Opry. The Josie Awards are the world's largest annual independent music award show, honoring independent artists, songwriters, and industry professionals across all music genres.

Prior to the Josie Awards ceremony, Bozovich has been invited to perform on the main stage at Dolly's (Parton) Tennessean Travel Stop in Cornersville, Tennessee, from 5 to 8 p.m. on September 18. Patrons of Dolly's will have the chance to hear Bozovich sing original songs and cover some of her favorite artists' hits.

"Music is in my blood," she explained. "My great uncle, Randy Roberts, is the lead guitarist in my band, The Mallory Bozovich Band, and he has been a big influence on my music career over the years. We have been performing together since I was 13." In addition to singing, Bozovich has been playing the piano since the age of five and learned to play the guitar during the COVID pandemic.

Her second accomplishment this Fall was winning "The Women Who Rock Rising Star Contest" in Pittsburgh. For winning the contest, Bozovich will open for pop icon, Taylor Dayne, on Saturday, October 17. She will get to sing one of her songs and has chosen, "Gravel and a Rock," before Dayne performs on Stage AE, which is located along Pittsburgh's North Shore.

Since entering Wheeling, Bozovich has juggled performing and class work.

"School and performing can be a challenge at times, but time management is really important. I try to stay ahead of my schoolwork, so I can focus on performing. There are times when I must go straight from class to a show, but I've learned to make the most of the time I have."

Not yet 19 years old, Bozovich is surprised at what she has accomplished at such a young age.

"Without the support of my parents, my uncle and other family and friends, I would not have had this success," Bozovich noted.

Dr. Bozovich said of her daughter, "Mallory is extremely driven and dedicated to her craft. We are so proud of her accomplishments and are excited to see what awaits on her journey."

Bozovich hopes to move to Nashville once she graduates. "I would like to work in the music industry someday, hopefully performing if everything works out."