Two EKU business students were named recipients of a scholarship from FAScholars Inc., an organization dedicated to recognizing and rewarding deserving students in underserved populations around the world.
Austin Molen, an MBA student from Florence, earned the $1,000 Marcia A. Anderson Merit Scholarship. Award recipients demonstrate scholastic ability, character, leadership, potential service to the profession and need, according to FAScholars Inc. Molen is part of a group of students who invented the Simple Circle, a patented golf tool that won third place in the 2016 Kentucky Idea State U Competition. Additionally, he is a Patterson Scholar, member of Beta Gamma Sigma, the honor society for business students, and a member of the PGA of America.
“It is an honor to be selected as the Marcia A. Anderson Merit Scholarship recipient. I am grateful to be chosen for an award that represents her characteristics and values,” Molen said. “As someone who values furthering my education, this scholarship is beneficial to accomplish my future academic goals.”
Jenna Barnes, a marketing and finance double major and EKU Honors Program student from Crittenden, earned the Wook Ismail Merit Scholarship, which provides $1,000 toward her education. Award recipients demonstrate academic achievement, leadership and school and community service, according to FAScholars Inc. Barnes serves in leadership for Pi Sigma Epsilon, the student organization for professional sales as well as a Student Ambassador and Student Mentor. She also interns for Keller Williams.
“I am honored to be a recipient of a program that values hard work and a willful determination,” Barnes said. “The help I am receiving with this scholarship allows me to graduate early and jumpstart my career even further.”
FAScholars Inc. was founded by EKU professor Dr. Faridah Awang in 2019. The organization works to create a world where equal educational opportunities are accessible to deserving scholars.
“We are pleased to award these scholarships to support their pursuit of education and exploration of career paths,” Awang said. “This prestigious group of young leaders shares a unified goal of making a positive impact in the greater community and world.”