Tyler Junior College graduate Naomi Moody has been awarded the Baylor Bound Presidential Transfer Scholarship, an honor that will cover her full tuition and fees for up to two years at Baylor University. The scholarship enables Moody to pursue her long-standing goal of attending Baylor and earning her bachelor’s degree.
Established in 1989, the Baylor Bound Presidential Transfer Scholarship is an annually awarded recognition presented to one Tyler Junior College graduate. Recipients must demonstrate exceptional academic achievement while actively participating in the TJC Presidential Honors Program. Eligibility requirements include maintaining a minimum cumulative 3.5 GPA, being on track to graduate, and remaining in good standing with the college.
Jasmine Fuller, TJC scholarship coordinator, stated that Moody's selection reflects her "strong academic preparation and outstanding achievement in pursuing her academic goals." Fuller added that Moody consistently exceeded the program's expectations throughout her tenure at Tyler Junior College.
Moody attributes a significant part of her academic success to the comprehensive support she received through TJC’s Presidential Honors Program. She particularly highlighted the boost in confidence gained from meeting with Dr. Mejia, and the academic assistance provided by her professor, Dr. Andrea Hathcote. Additionally, she recognized the guidance from her Honors coordinators, Dave Funk and Dannika Blackhurst, as instrumental to her achievements.
Among her accomplishments at TJC, Moody expressed particular pride in her Honors Capstone Research Project. This project involved an in-depth exploration of entomophobia, the fear of insects. She noted that being paired with dedicated professors and fellow students in the Presidential Honors Program encouraged deeper critical thinking for her research. The program also facilitated access to crucial resources, including financial assistance for purchasing necessary items for the project.
Beyond recognizing academic merit, the scholarship significantly eases the financial burden associated with earning a bachelor’s degree. For Moody, the award holds a deeper personal meaning, representing the fulfillment of a long-held ambition to attend Baylor University, a goal she has had since her junior year of high school. Looking ahead, Moody plans to maximize her time at Baylor as she pursues a medical degree.
This scholarship is one of many transfer opportunities available to students at Tyler Junior College. Through various transfer partnerships, dedicated scholarships, and academic support programs, TJC assists its students in continuing their education at universities across Texas and beyond.
