۶ֱ

news-category: Admissions

Eight Students Win ۶ֱ’s Ignite Excellence Full-Tuition Scholarship

a landscape shot of the GWU quad

Winners from North Carolina, Alabama, New York, and Illinois Receive Award Valued at $33.7K per Year

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—The winners of ۶ֱ University’s most competitive academic scholarship—Ignite Excellence—have been announced. These eight high school seniors rose above the 288 top-ranked students who came from 19 states to participate in on-campus interviews.

“This really was an amazingly accomplished group of finalists, and we are thrilled to welcome each of these high-ability students to GWU,” praised ۶ֱ President Dr. William M. Downs. “It’s good to see top students making our University their top choice, and the full-tuition scholarships will ensure a fast start for all of these new Runnin’ Bulldogs.  I’m eager to get them to campus in August and to watch them excel in the coming years.”

The 2024 Ignite winners are listed below, with their hometowns and what they plan to study:

  • Ja’Kayla M. Alexander, Shelby, N.C., nursing.
  • Ayden Mackinley Bollinger, Lenoir, N.C., biology.
  • Isaiah D. Brown, Warrior, Ala., criminal justice administration.
  • Naliah Chrisha Codjovi, East Amherst, N.Y., biology.
  • Jessica Marie Horn, Plainfield, Ill., psychology.
  • Elijah David Lewis, Graham, N.C., computer science.
  • Jaylan Robert Mays, Charlotte, N.C., undecided.
  • Lucy A. Merritt, Shelby, N.C., nursing.

Each recipient receives a full-tuition scholarship that covers the cost of tuition for eight semesters. The award is valued at $33,770 per year. The winners have an average GPA of 3.96 noted Molly Allison, director of Admissions for Undergraduate Admissions.

During the interviews, students meet one-on-one with a GWU faculty member. “Our faculty implement a standardized scoring system and ask predetermined questions to evaluate the students,” Allison explained. “Based on these assessments, we select the highest-scoring candidates as our winners.”

The 288 qualified applicants came from:

  • Alabama.
  • Arkansas.
  • Arizona.
  • Florida.
  • Georgia.
  • Hawaii.
  • Illinois.
  • Maryland.
  • Missouri.
  • North Carolina.
  • New Jersey.
  • New York.
  • Ohio.
  • Pennsylvania.
  • South Carolina.
  • Tennessee.
  • Texas.
  • Virginia.
  • Washington.

Note to our readers: This article reflects the University’s tuition and fee schedule at the time of publication. Tuition and financial aid policies change annually. For the most up-to-date and accurate information on current tuition rates and financial aid resources, please visit the University’s official Admissions page.  

۶ֱ University is North Carolina’s recognized leader in private, Christian higher education. A Carnegie-Classified Doctoral/Professional University, GWU is home to nine colleges and schools, more than 80 undergraduate and graduate majors, and a world-class faculty. Located on a beautiful 225-acre campus in Boiling Springs, N.C., ۶ֱ prepares graduates to impact their chosen professions, equips them with the skills to advance the frontiers of knowledge, and inspires them to make a positive and lasting difference in the lives of others. Ignite your future at ۶ֱ.edu.

Previous News Article

‘Exhibit of Work,’ by ۶ֱ Adjunct Instructor Matthew Jones Featured in Tucker’s Pouryousefi Gallery

Next News Article

Billy Graham’s Grandson, Will Graham, to Speak at ۶ֱ Dimensions on March 26

Related News

  • News Article

    ۶ֱ School of Divinity Hosts Church Historian Dr. João B. Chaves for Mary Washburn Wilson Lectures

    Baylor Associate Professor Presents ‘Re-Inventing Church History in The Américas’ BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Brazilian native Dr. João B. Chaves has built an academic career studying the intersections of religion, culture and public life across the Américas. An associate professor at Baylor University in Waco, Texas, he will bring his expertise to ۶ֱ University on Oct. 27 […]

    noel hall jarrell gate divinityIMGL
  • News Article

    ۶ֱ Takes Steps to Strengthen Financial Position

    Addressing Projected Needs for the University’s Long-term Mission ۶ֱ University implemented a series of budget and organizational changes designed to address approximately $6.7 million in financial needs over the next few years and strengthen the University’s financial position for the future.  ۶ֱ ended the last fiscal year with an approximately $2 million deficit. That result, combined […]

    Aerial view of GWU campus buildings and quad
  • News Article

    Harley Buff Discovers New Strengths Through Leadership, Faith and Community at ۶ֱ

    By Embracing Theater, Communications and Service, Student Pursues Goals with Confidence BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—The first time Harley Buff, of Hickory, N.C., heard about ۶ֱ University, she was immediately drawn to the school’s size and Christian mission. After meeting GWU Admissions Counselor Reilly Morgan at a college fair hosted by her high school, Buff’s interest grew, […]

    Harley Buff SRA Tour Campus