news-category: Ignite Scholars Ignite Scholarship Helps McCoy Stowe Fulfill Goal of Becoming a Neurosurgeon By Office of University Communications On October 21, 2024 ۶ֱ Junior Balances Campus Activities with ۶ֱ to Prepare for Medical School By Makella Knowles, Intern for University Communications BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Matthew “McCoy” Stowe, a double major in biomedical sciences and chemistry with a minor in psychology, is a junior dedicated to getting into medical school. Growing up in Lincolnton, N.C., only 40 minutes from campus, ۶ֱ University was frequently talked about by his family and friends during high school. After sharing that his university hunt was challenging, Stowe comments, “Truthfully, God led me here completely.” While exploring all his options, GWU stood out more and more. “I don’t know what it was… I don’t think it was anything other than God,” he acknowledges. Stowe then applied for the Ignite Scholarship and came in for the interview. Walking into Tucker Student Center, dressed and ready to go, made everything real to him, including how nervous he was. Stowe’s anxiety only built while he waited months to hear back from the school before finding out he had been put on a waitlist. Soon, the news came that he was hoping for and the deal was sealed: he was going to ۶ֱ. Getting the Ignite full-tuition scholarship fulfilled everything Stowe had worked for in high school; he stubbornly pushed through his classes and graduated with over three semesters’ worth of college credit under his belt. As long as he can remember, Stowe has wanted to be a doctor. He’s open to other options, but his heart is set on neurosurgery, specifically. After graduation, Stowe hopes to start medical school immediately, preferably somewhere close to home. “A positive mindset is the only way to do it,” he comments. Charlotte, N.C., is his dream career destination, and in 10 years he hopes to have completed a medical fellowship, started a family, and be practicing medicine part-time. Stowe fills his time on campus with many activities, staying busy as a Student Government Association (SGA) congressman for Lutz/Royster Residence Halls and as vice president for three clubs on campus: Pre-health, a club for students going into the medical field; Tri-Beta for honors biology; and Sigma Zeta for honors math and general sciences. Most days, he goes straight from class to studying, but his hard work has paid off; he made the President’s List for the last three semesters. Right now, he is also diligently preparing for the MCAT (Medical College Admissions Test). He noted that his earlier years were easier to balance, but even as his class load has increased, he’s gotten into the flow of campus life and decided to complete two majors. Speaking on his experience in the Department of Natural Sciences, he praises the work of his professors: “I’ve never met a group of people who are more invested in their students.” Despite his packed and demanding schedule, Stowe prioritizes time with family and friends. He stays in touch with the group of guys he connected with his freshman year, even the ones who have graduated. And, because of his roommate’s busy athletic schedule, they have to work hard to find time to see each other. “Everyone has their own life; everyone is busy,” Stowe observes. “If you want to see somebody, you’re going to make the effort to see them.” This mindset has set him up for success in his college career, and Stowe expresses gratitude for the people who have brought him to where he is today. Makella Knowles, of Indian Trail, N.C., is a senior majoring in English and minoring in Spanish and marketing. Learn more about the Department of Natural Sciences About the Ignite Scholarship Ignite Excellence is ۶ֱ University’s most competitive academic scholarship. Each recipient receives a full-tuition scholarship that covers the cost of tuition for eight semesters. Recipients are selected through an on-campus interview process. Applicants must reside on campus, be enrolled full-time, and maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.5. More information about the Ignite and other scholarships is available here. 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.
News Article ۶ֱ College of Health Sciences to Host Annual Scholars Day Highlighting Research of Nearly 70 Students Event Showcases Research by Graduates of Physician Assistant Studies and Exercise Science BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—The College of Health Sciences will host its annual Scholars Day on Wednesday, April 23, showcasing the research and academic achievements of graduates from the Physician Assistant (PA) Studies and exercise science programs. Scholars Day will take place in Room 255, […] Office of University Communications | April 14, 2026
News Article ۶ֱ Honors Students Present Research at Southern Regional Honors Conference Honors Scholars Gain Experience Presenting Research Beyond the Classroom BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—۶ֱ University Honors Program students recently showcased their scholarship at the Southern Regional Honors Conference (SRHC), held in Montgomery, Ala. The annual conference brought together over 700 high-achieving students, along with faculty, and administrators from across the southern United States for three days of […] Office of University Communications | April 14, 2026
News Article Double Dawg Day Support on April 16 Helps ۶ֱ Students Like Amber Jimenez Build Their Future First-Year Nursing Major Shares How Donor Generosity Shapes her Experience BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Gifts made on ۶ֱ University’s Double Dawg Day on Thursday, April 16, directly support the scholarships that help students succeed in the classroom and beyond. On this day, the GWU community will unite to support scholarships, academic programs, athletics and the hands-on experiences […] Office of University Communications | April 12, 2026