Tyler, Texas — Naomi Moody, a recent graduate of Tyler Junior College, has been awarded the Baylor Bound Presidential Transfer Scholarship, a significant honor that will cover her full tuition and fees for up to two years at Baylor University. This scholarship makes it possible for Moody to complete her bachelor’s degree at Baylor, realizing a long-held academic ambition.
Established in 1989, the Baylor Bound Presidential Transfer Scholarship is granted annually to a single Tyler Junior College graduate. Recipients are chosen for demonstrating exceptional academic achievement while actively participating in the TJC Presidential Honors Program.
Jasmine Fuller, TJC scholarship coordinator, stated that Moody’s selection highlights her strong academic preparation and outstanding dedication to her academic goals. Fuller noted that students eligible for this scholarship must be on track to graduate, maintain good standing with the college, and achieve a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.5. Moody, according to Fuller, exceeded these expectations throughout her time at TJC.
Moody credits much of her success and confidence to the comprehensive support she received through TJC’s Presidential Honors Program. She highlighted the encouragement from Dr. Mejia and the academic guidance provided by her professor, Dr. Andrea Hathcote. Additionally, Honors coordinators Dave Funk and Dannika Blackhurst contributed to her academic journey.
Among her accomplishments at TJC, Moody expressed particular pride in her Honors Capstone Research Project, which explored entomophobia, the fear of insects. She noted that being paired with professors and fellow students in the Presidential Honors Program led her to approach her research with deeper thought. The program also provided substantial assistance with resources necessary for her project, including financial aid to purchase required items.
While the scholarship serves as a recognition of academic excellence and eases the financial burden associated with earning a bachelor’s degree, Moody emphasized its deeper personal significance. Receiving this scholarship means attending the university she has aspired to join since her junior year of high school. She described attending Baylor as a consistent personal goal. Looking to the future, Moody plans to maximize her time at Baylor as she pursues a medical degree.
The Baylor Bound Presidential Transfer Scholarship is one of several transfer opportunities available to students at Tyler Junior College. Through a combination of established transfer partnerships, various scholarship programs, and academic support services, TJC aims to assist its students in continuing their education at universities across Texas and beyond.
