Tyler Junior College graduate Naomi Moody has been awarded the Baylor Bound Presidential Transfer Scholarship, a prestigious award that will cover her full tuition and fees for up to two years at Baylor University. The scholarship allows Moody to pursue her bachelor's degree at the university she has long sought to attend.
Established in 1989, the Baylor Bound Presidential Transfer Scholarship is an annual award presented to one Tyler Junior College graduate each year. To be eligible, students must demonstrate exceptional academic achievement and active participation in the TJC Presidential Honors Program. The scholarship specifically targets students on track to graduate, maintaining good standing, and holding a minimum cumulative 3.5 GPA.
Jasmine Fuller, TJC scholarship coordinator, confirmed Moody's selection, noting that Moody exceeded the academic expectations throughout her time at Tyler Junior College. Fuller emphasized that Moody's selection underscores her strong academic preparation and outstanding achievement in pursuing her educational goals.
Moody’s goal of attending Baylor University, which she has held since her junior year of high school, initially felt out of reach. However, her dedication to academics and the extensive support she received from Tyler Junior College ultimately led her to this opportunity.
Moody attributed much of her success to the TJC Presidential Honors Program. She cited the guidance and academic support from several individuals, including Dr. Mejia, Dr. Andrea Hathcote, and Honors coordinators Dave Funk and Dannika Blackhurst, as crucial in boosting her confidence and academic progress.
Among her significant accomplishments at TJC, Moody highlighted her Honors Capstone Research Project, which focused on entomophobia, the fear of insects. She noted that being paired with professors and students in the Presidential Honors Program led her to think more deeply about her research. The program also provided essential resources, including financial assistance for purchasing necessary items for her project.
Beyond recognizing academic achievement, the scholarship significantly eases the financial burden of earning a bachelor’s degree. For Moody, it represents a culmination of years of aspiration. "Getting to Baylor has always been a goal for me," Moody said. With the scholarship secured, she plans to make the most of her time at Baylor University as she pursues her medical degree.
Tyler Junior College offers numerous transfer opportunities for its students. Through various transfer partnerships, additional scholarships, and academic support programs, TJC assists students in continuing their education at universities across Texas and beyond, fostering pathways for academic advancement.
