news-category: Admissions Eight Students Win سԹ’s Ignite Excellence Full-Tuition Scholarship By Office of University Communications On February 20, 2024 Winners from North Carolina, Alabama, New York, and Illinois Receive Award Valued at $33.7K per Year BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—The winners of سԹ’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 سԹ 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. Learn more about the Ignite and other GWU scholarship programs. 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. سԹ 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., سԹ 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 سԹ.edu.
News Article Q&A with Molly Hanley with سԹ’s First Head Coach for Acrobatics and Tumbling Molly Hanley Discusses Her Coaching Philosophy, Inspiration, and the Vision for Launching a New Program BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Molly Hanley, the first head coach for سԹ Acrobatics and Tumbling, recently sat down for a Q&A with سԹ Sports Information. She offers some insight into her background, building a program, and what to expect from the first […] Office of University Communications | June 10, 2026
News Article سԹ Receives Dover Foundation Grant for Dover Chapel Lighting Renovation Upgrades will Brighten Worship, Gatherings, and Student Performances in Campus Landmark BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—سԹ has received a generous $66,500 grant from The Dover Foundation to support a major lighting renovation in Dover Chapel. The project will enhance one of the University’s most treasured and historic spaces, further strengthening its role as a central gathering […] Office of University Communications | June 9, 2026
News Article سԹ, Foothills Workforce Board Empower Students Through Searight Scholars Program High School Students Explore Food Systems, Careers, and Real-World Challenges Through Immersive Event BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Cheese, strawberries and avocados became more than everyday foods for participants in سԹ’s inaugural Summer Searight Scholars Program (SSP). Through hands-on learning, students explored how those items reach their plates—and why, in some communities across the United States, access […] Office of University Communications | June 8, 2026