I came to Methodist University because I wanted to learn the about the golf industry at the best golf school in the nation. I continue to study at Methodist because the professors and staff provide hands-on training and give me personal attention, which creates the best environment to learn and grow.

Furthermore, I learned from my mentor and classmate, Jeff Headman ’12, the importance of getting involved and giving back to my community. I have been involved in community engagement projects for Stop Hunger Now, Operation Inasmuch, Operation Christmas Child, Relay for Life, Jesse Smith Woodcutting, Second Harvest Food Bank, and a 5K for breast cancer awareness.

I would like to say thank you to the Methodist University community, which I know encompasses the Fayetteville community, faculty, staff, parents and alumni, for all they have contributed to student scholarships. Because of their donations, I am able to focus on my studies and pay it forward by giving back to my community.

—Zack Sweet, Class of 2014, Madison, Maine

Methodist University’s community environment helps me thrive. I have personally grown because of the campus’ diversity and global perspective, and have made life-long friends. I continuously receive encouragement from faculty who want to help me succeed. Dr. Pam Strickland, accounting professor, has given me the confidence to realize my potential. I am a resident advisor, a member of Men of Distinction, president of Alpha Chi, vice president of the Accounting Club and Delta Mu Delta, and a legacy scholar for the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. My involvement in the MU community has pushed me to reach my potential and I have learned the importance of pursuing the small things in life with the same passion as the big things.

I am a recipient of two endowed scholarships and am grateful to those who had the foresight to invest in my future without even knowing me. I realize they could have made any choice with their investment and I am honored by their generosity.

—Kevin Collins, Class of 2013, Cary, North Carolina

When I first came to Methodist in 2011, I was looking for a fresh start, but didn’t know exactly what direction I should take. Since then, I have been patiently guided by the staff and faculty at MU. With the help of mass communications professors Paul Joseph and Dan Trigoboff, I have found my niche in the communications field and I love it! I am a communications major with a concentration in TV, multimedia, journalism and radio. I am also an anchor for Monarch Moments, a Methodist TV program. I now have experience in radio, thanks to an internship with Cumulus Broadcasting, and have recently begun writing for Women’s View Magazine. My professors are a constant source of encouragement, information, vision, and connections who have guided me to reach my potential and attain higher goals than I ever thought possible.

I am extremely grateful for the scholarships I receive here at Methodist. I would never have been exposed to the resources and experiences I have had without the generous support of scholarship donors.

—Rica McDonald, Class of 2013, Fayetteville, North Carolina

My ambition keeps me in college, but what keeps me at Methodist University is the family atmosphere, the wonderful faculty and staff who have helped me along the way, and the amazing career-oriented opportunities I have received. My professors don’t simply instruct me with in-classroom knowledge; they prepare me for a real-life career. For example, in my forensics classes we are given the opportunity to exercise in the field the skills we just learned in the classroom, which helps me feel ready and equipped to handle my future career.

I am a recipient of the Presidential Scholarship at Methodist University. This scholarship has not only helped me pursue a degree, but it has enabled me to receive the best quality education possible in criminal justice. I plan to pursue a career with the Fayetteville Police Department and am looking forward to being engaged in the community which has given so much to me.

—Jeannie Snider, Class of 2013, Guntersville, Alabama