Tillman Military Scholars Selected at USF

From the University of South Florida:

The University of South Florida and Pat Tillman Foundation arepleased to announce two students have been selected as Tillman Military Scholars for the 2012-2013 academic year. Stephen Naylor, an undergraduate student majoring in history, and Edward Woodward, a master’s in medical science student, are the recipients of this year’s scholarships. 

Naylor, a veteran of the British Army and husband to a U.S. Air Force officer, served in Afghanistan and desires to become a teacher so that he can positively influence the lives of young people.  Naylor is the recipient of a $10,000 scholarship and is expected to graduate in May 2013. 

Woodward, a medically retired U.S. Air Force Captain, is enrolled in the Master’s in Medical Science program in preparation for entering USF’s Morsani College of Medicine’s MD program, where he plans to become a neurologist specializing in brain health in order to assist veterans with traumatic brain injury.  Woodward will receive $50,000 in scholarship funds over the next five academic years, allowing him to complete the master’s program in December 2013 and continue on in the College of Medicine.

USF is one of 14 campuses serving as a Tillman Military Scholar University Partner for the 2012-2013 academic year. University Partners are selected based on their innovative servicemember-specific support services and proven culture of community for military families.

As a University Partner, each institution conducts outreach to its veteran and military spouse student population and actively participates in the Tillman Military Scholar selection process. Upon selection of Tillman Military Scholars on campus, each then supports the building of community among these students, strengthening their academic and personal experience. 

“Stephen Naylor and Ed Woodward are outstanding students who will represent USF and the Tillman Foundation with honor and distinction,” said Lawrence Braue, director of the Office of Veterans Services at USF.  “We are very proud to welcome them to our distinguished group of Tillman Scholars on campus, three of whom we are welcoming back from the last academic year.  Much thanks goes to the Pat Tillman Foundation – we are truly honored to partner with such an outstanding organization that places such value on educating our country’s veterans and their dependents.” 

In 2008, the Pat Tillman Foundation established the Tillman Military Scholars program to support educational opportunities for servicemembers and military families by bridging the financial gaps left by the Post-9/11 G.I. Bill. Military families face numerous challenges during the transition from military to civilian life and have unique needs that often prevent successfully completing a degree. As a result, Tillman Military Scholars receive financial support to not only cover traditional study-related expenses such as tuition and books, but also other needs, including but not limited to: housing, transportation and childcare. In providing this support, the Pat Tillman Foundation aims to remove any and all obstacles that would otherwise prohibit academic success.

Over the past four years, the Pat Tillman Foundation has awarded more than $3.2 million in scholarship funds to 230 Tillman Military Scholars pursuing education at every level from freshmen undergraduates to PhD candidates. Overall, Tillman Military Scholars represent 71 different institutions across 34 states.

“We received 1,280 applicants this year and, with support from our selection committee, narrowed these applicants down to 59 outstanding candidates to join the fourth class of Tillman Military Scholars,” said Hunter I. Riley, director of programs at the Pat Tillman Foundation. “These Scholars represent leadership in the military, classroom and community and we’re proud to invest in their education and support them in making a positive impact into the future.”