The Honors College at Lubbock Christian University recently named its newest cohort of prestigious F.W. Mattox Presidential Academic Scholars. The entering students each receive a full, four-year scholarship based on a proven record of academic success and demonstrated exemplary leadership.
Applications for the award came from New Mexico, Arkansas, Kansas, Kentucky, Oklahoma, Colorado, and across the state of Texas. Out of the nearly 100 potential winners, fifteen finalists were brought to LCU’s campus for a three-day intense interview and evaluation process.
Despite the national field, three of the selection committee’s awardees are Lubbock area residents. Ella Booe (Lubbock High) will study biology on a pre-medical track and also play on the women’s golf team. Hannah Purdy (Lubbock Cooper) plans to focus on secondary education and history. And Jacie Woods (Frenship) plans to study toward a career as a Physician’s Assistant. Kieryn Moffat, from San Angelo Central High, will also study biology on the pre-medical track, in addition to playing on the women’s soccer team.
Named for the university’s founding president, the F. W. Mattox Presidential Scholar Award honors the legacy of Mattox as a servant scholar. “Dr. Mattox had the vision and courage to establish a college with high academic integrity, while he also modeled a leadership that served on the front lines,” notes Dr. Stacy Patty, dean of the university Honors College. Mattox, Dr. Patty reflects, not only sold personal property to secure an initial library but also donned coveralls to help pour concrete walkways in the early days of the college. “We wanted this premiere scholarship to highlight those two central pillars of Christian university education—academic excellence and servant leadership.”
The Mattox Scholars program begins its seventh year this fall, having awarded thirty-three scholarships. Dr. Patty added, “The program recognizes LCU’s continued commitment to scholarly exploration through growth in knowledge, the pursuit of wisdom, and discernment of vocation, the central components of our Honors College.”
Learn more about the LCU Honors College.