By MATT PIKE
A scholarship for students who are pursuing their degrees in education at Northwest Missouri State University, named after a Kansas City area family with ties to the university is growing.
The recently renamed Woolsey Future Educators Scholarship is open to first-time freshmen who hold a minimum 3.0 cumulative high school GPA and maintain full-time enrollment. In addition to pursuing a degree in education at Northwest, recipients should be involved in high school, community and volunteer activities. Graduates of any Missouri, Kansas or Iowa high school are eligible for the scholarship. While the scholarship is open to all students who meet the requirements, there is a preference given to students who graduate from Excelsior Springs, Crest Ridge and North Platte high schools in Missouri.
The Woolsey family established the scholarship in 2021 to honor their shared legacy in education, leadership, service and lifelong learning. The family has strong ties to Northwest, including the late Wayne Woolsey ’70, ’71, Nancy Jordheim Woolsey ’82, Ron Woolsey ’74, ’78, Barbara Tiffin Woolsey ’81, Tucker Woolsey ’01, Katie Scherer Woolsey ’05, and Conrad Woolsey ’02.
“I’ve had the privilege of working with the Woolsey family for several years, and their dedication to the profession of teaching, at all levels, never ceases to amaze me,” Senior major gift officer with Northwest’s Office of University Advancement Sam Mason says in a news release. “We are so pleased to be able to help them show their dedication to the next generation of professionals through this scholarship. I’m sure Wayne would be very pleased with the work they have done to help their fellow Bearcats.”
Through the scholarship, the Woolsey family seeks to support students who share their values of strong character, academic commitment, leadership potential and a spirit of service to others. Two $1,000 scholarships will be awarded annually.
“It represents our belief that investing in future educators is one of the most meaningful contributions we can make,” said Ron, who has worked in the education field for 44 years. “The idea grew from family conversations and became a shared effort, with my brother, Wayne, playing a key role in bringing it to life.”
After Wayne died last December, the family was inspired to broaden their scholarship to support more Northwest students. During his 37-year career as teacher, coach and administrator in Iowa and Missouri, Wayne always looked forward to working with other educators and conveying his Northwest pride.
To support the Woolsey Future Educators Scholarship, you can click HERE or make a gift to another Northwest fund by contacting the Office of University Advancement.
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