The University of Tennessee Southern Scholars Board, led in partnership with the Bank of Frankewing, is a one-year commitment for participation in regular monthly meetings and professional development activities.
This Scholars Board is designed to engage selected sophomore-level students in a junior-year training experience to network with one another, engage with resources from across the region, and develop professional skills and financial literacy that will impact the rest of their student and professional experiences. The students will identify their existing strengths and develop new expertise throughout the academic year.
Applications were received and reviewed in the spring of 2025, which led to the selection of 12 UT Southern students to serve as the 2025-26 class of Scholars.
Lauryn Amonette
History Major
“Thank you for this opportunity. I am excited to see what I can learn with the Scholars Board!”
Angelo Bidart
Criminal Justice Major
“I am very excited to learn how to be a more professional person and begin networking with other individuals that want to better themselves.”
Leslie Bingham
Criminal Justice Major,
Homeland Security Minor
“I am grateful to join the Scholars Board and excited to share ideas with such talented people. With this, I am also looking forward to working together and making a real impact.”
Gracie Braden
Human Performance & Physical Science Major
“I’m excited to be part of the Scholars Board and to engage with a community of passionate, forward-thinking individuals. I look forward to contributing meaningfully while learning from diverse perspectives and expanding my impact through shared initiatives.”
Danica Bridgers
Elementary Education Major
“I’m excited to be a part of the Scholars Board because it offers a unique opportunity to grow professionally, connect with peers and leaders, and build lifelong skills in leadership and financial literacy. I hope to gain a deeper understanding of my own strengths, expand my network, and develop practical tools that will support my academic and future career goals.”
Ashley Cope
Criminal Justice & Psychology Double Major
“I am very excited to be a part of the Scholars Board so that I can expand my network of professional connections and communicate with other like-minded students.”
George Grice
Sports Management Major,
Business Management Minor
“I am so grateful and excited to be on the UT Southern Scholars board as it will help me gain new experiences by meeting new people from different backgrounds. I am also excited to being in all sorts of environments that can help me for my future at the University of Tennessee Southern and my future career.”
Carson Land
English Literature & Psychology Double Major
“I’m excited to be on the Scholars Board to learn about managing finances and creating connections with other people in different fields!”
Celia Powell
General Biology Major
“What excites me most about being on the Scholars Board is the chance to develop new skills in leadership, career development, and financial literacy. I am eager to gain insights that I can apply to my future career and personal life, empowering me to make informed decisions and grow both professionally and financially.”
Brynna Stubblefield
Business Management Major
“I’m honored to be selected for the Bank of Frankewing Scholars Board and excited for the opportunity to gain insight into the banking industry. I’m looking forward to building meaningful connections, expanding my knowledge, and learning from professionals in the field. I believe this experience will be a steppingstone in developing my leadership skills, understanding the role of community banking, and contributing to a network of like-minded individuals who are passionate about making a positive impact.”
Sergio Torrero Moreno
Business Management Major,
Sports Management Minor
“I am very excited to be in the scholars board program because it is an opportunity to learn and to help me in my future career.”
Santiago Valencia
Business Major
“I’m really excited to be part of this group because I see it as a chance to grow both personally and professionally. I’m looking forward to meeting new people, learning from different perspectives, and developing skills that will help me in my future career and life.”
The students selected this year have shown a strong commitment to professional development and personal growth. Future students who are interested in the UT Southern Scholars Board should visit this site or contact Dr. Stephen McBride. Further information about the application process for 2026-27 will be announced during the Spring 2026 semester.