We are proud to introduce our exceptional Phillips University Legacy Scholars—a diverse group of talented undergraduate students who embody the spirit of leadership, scholarship, and service. These scholars are pursuing a liberal arts education at colleges and universities historically related to the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and are selected based on their academic achievements, their leadership potential, and their passion for transforming their campuses and communities for the better.

Click on each scholar’s photograph to learn more.

Meet The Scholars

Olivia Hardin-Nieri

Olivia Hardin-Nieri graduated from Eureka College with degrees in Communication and Media Studies. During her senior year, she studied in Cusco, Peru, completed additional coursework, and continued to serve in campus leadership roles, including Transfer Student Senator, Vice President, and involvement with Eureka College TV & Radio. Olivia remains deeply grateful for the relationships she […]

College/University: Eureka College
Dorothy and Sheldon Elliott Endowed Scholar

Hometown: Ashville, North Carolina

Emily James

Emily James graduated from Texas Christian University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Modern Dance, a minor in Social Work, and honors from the John V. Roach Honors College. During her time at TCU, she was active in Disciples on Campus, Chi Tau Epsilon, and the Honors College community. Emily has gone on to […]

College/University: Texas Christian University
Becky and Richard Books Endowed Scholar

Hometown: San Angelo, Texas

Sam Snider

Sam Snider graduated from Texas Christian University with Bachelor of Arts degrees in Political Science and Philosophy before beginning law school at the University of Missouri School of Law. While at TCU, he was actively involved in fraternity life, college ministry, and leadership within his local church. Sam credits the Phillips Scholar Program with introducing […]

College/University: Texas Christian University
The Gentle Family Endowed Scholar

Hometown: Springfield, Missouri

Malachi Gnade

Malachi Gnade graduated from Culver-Stockton College with a degree in Mathematics Education. During college, he volunteered extensively, taught graduate-level classes, served as a resident assistant and tutor, co-captained the volleyball team, and remained active in leadership and service projects connected to his church community. Through the Phillips Scholar Program, Malachi gained experiences that expanded his […]

College/University: Culver-Stockon College
Varsity Club Endowed Scholar

Hometown: Monroe, Missouri

Skyler Cloyd

Skyler Cloyd, from Friendswood, Texas, is a senior at Texas Christian University pursuing a degree in music theory and composition. A pianist and percussionist, he has been involved in choir, theatre, and jazz band. At TCU, Skyler continues to grow as a musician through his studies in piano and organ and through collaborative performance. His […]

College/University: Texas Christian University
Hometown: Webster, Texas

Barry K. Robinson Endowed Scholar

Lindsey Maisberger

Lindsey Maisberger is a senior at Texas Christian University, where she is majoring in Early Childhood through Sixth Grade Education in the College of Education. A proud graduate of Independence High School in Frisco, Texas, Lindsey was active in student leadership and community-focused programs throughout her high school career. At TCU, Lindsey continues to build […]

College/University: Texas Christian University
Hometown: McKinney, Texas

Gene Challenner Honorary Scholar

Lillie Nielsen

Lillie Nielsen is a senior at Transylvania University and plans to graduate in the spring with a double major in health and exercise science and psychology. After graduation, she intends to attend graduate school and pursue a career in occupational therapy. Lillie recently returned from a semester abroad in Ireland and is involved in Chi […]

College/University: Transylvania University
Hometown: Nicholasville, Kentucky

The Inaugural Michael and Suanne Yarbrough Endowed Scholar

Joshua Oloriagbe

Joshua Oloriegbe graduated from Jarvis Christian University with a degree in Cybersecurity and Business. As a student, he founded and served as president of Campus Central, coordinated career-readiness programming through NABA, and held leadership roles with the HBCU Coding and Creativity Initiative. Joshua credits the Phillips Scholar Program with pushing him beyond his comfort zone […]

Jarvis Christian University
Connie Speer Cravens Honorary Scholar

Libby Skaggs

Libby Skaggs, from Mansfield, Texas, is a senior at Culver-Stockton College. She is double majoring in political science and journalism with a minor in English. On campus, Libby participates in color guard, the Gender and Sexuality Alliance, and the student newspaper. Off campus, she interns with the National Benevolent Association.

College/University: Culver-Stockon College
Hometown: Jeffersonville, Indiana

Hope Tuttle

Hope Tuttle graduated from Drury University with a Bachelor of Arts in Criminology and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and is pursuing a master’s degree in Forensic Psychology at the University of Central Oklahoma. During her time at Drury, Hope played on the golf team, served as an orientation leader, and held leadership roles […]

College/University: Drury University
Hometown: Bristow, Oklahoma

Aly Barnes

Aly is a rising junior at Chapman University pursuing a degree in Anthropology with a double minor in both Spanish and Sociology. Born in South Africa and raised in South Africa and Mozambique, Aly moved to Indiana to attend school, graduating in 2023 with an IB diploma. While there, she was active in her Spanish […]

College/University: Chapman University
Hometown: Indianapolis, Indiana

Harry Dalstra

Harry Dalstra is a third-year student at Drake University, where he is double majoring in international relations and politics. Raised in El Paso, Texas, before moving to Iowa, he developed an early interest in cultures beyond his own. Harry is passionate about geopolitics and hopes to research cultures and contribute to stronger communities. He also […]

College/University: Drake University
Hometown: Fort Madison, Iowa

Gloria Gonzalez

Gloria Gonzalez is a junior at Texas Christian University, where she is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Economics and a Bachelor of Business Administration in Business Information Systems. Born and raised in Managua, Nicaragua, she moved to Fort Worth, Texas, for her undergraduate studies after completing her primary and secondary education at the American […]

College/University: Texas Christian University
Hometown: Managua, Nicaragua

Don and Barbara Angle Honorary Scholar

Sam Hatfield

Samuel “Sam” Hatfield is a senior at Transylvania University in Lexington, Kentucky, where he is double majoring in Digital Arts and Media and Religion. At Ballard High School in Louisville, Kentucky, Sam discovered a passion for technical theatre. He now works as a crew member for the Transylvania Theatre Department and Theatre Guild. When asked […]

College/University: Transylvania University
Hometown: Louisville, Kentucky

Kalea Seaton

Kalea Seaton is a junior at Chapman University, where she majors in peace and justice studies and Spanish, with minors in religious studies and disability studies. Before moving from Iowa to California for college, she graduated from Iowa City High School. There, she captained the swim team, served as principal first-chair violist in the orchestra, […]

College/University: Chapman University
Hometown: Iowa City, Iowa

Marissa Sipe

Marissa Sipe is a first-generation college student at Columbia College in Columbia, Missouri. She is pursuing degrees in forensic science, with an emphasis in biology, and molecular biology, along with a minor in criminal justice and a certificate in crime scene investigation. The youngest of seven children, Marissa graduated summa cum laude from St. Charles […]

College/University: Columbia College
Hometown: St. Charles, Missouri

Tatum Wilson

Tatum Wilson, from Austin, Texas, is a junior at Texas Christian University pursuing a degree in speech-language pathology. She works as a paraprofessional, supporting children, teenagers, and young adults with special needs in their speech and education. Through this work, Tatum has developed a passion for helping others and hopes to become a speech-language pathologist […]

College/University: Texas Christian University
Hometown: Austin, Texas

John Weeks

John will be a first-year marketing student at Texas Christian University. John was born in Georgia and has spent most of his life in Mechanicsville, Virginia. He is graduating in May from Atlee High School. While in high school, John has been an active member of DECA, the tennis team, the National Honor Society, the […]

College/University: Texas Christian University
Hometown: Mechanicsville, Virginia

Stella Trullinger

Stella Trullinger is a rising sophomore at Bethany College, double majoring in biology/pre-veterinary medicine and religious studies. A 2025 graduate of Lutheran High School of Indianapolis, she grew up in both Iowa and Indiana. In high school, Stella participated in school and travel softball, National Honor Society, HOSA–Future Health Professionals, and Girls Inc. She also […]

College/University: Bethany College
Hometown: Indianapolis, Indiana

Daniel Mitchell

Daniel Mitchell is a sophomore and Chancellor’s Scholar at Texas Christian University, where he studies religion and political science. At TCU, Daniel serves on the college ministry leadership team at University Christian Church in Fort Worth, participates in Disciples on Campus, and helps lead interfaith programming. He also competes with the TCU Speech and Debate […]

College/University: Texas Christian University
Hometown: Fort Collins, Colorado

Megan Riddle

Megan Riddle is beginning her second year at Texas Christian University, where she is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and plays snare drum with the Horned Frog Marching Band. A Fort Worth native, she is continuing her education in a city that has always felt like home. Megan graduated from Lake Ridge High […]

College/University: Texas Christian University
Hometown: Fort Worth, Texas

PU Heritage Honorary Scholar

Henry Frederick-Gray

Henry Frederick-Gray attended Cambridge Rindge and Latin School in Massachusetts and is now a rising junior at Chapman University. He is pursuing a degree in Writing for Film and Television at the Dodge College of Film and Media Arts. At Chapman, Henry serves as the Retreat Chair on the Disciples Leadership Board for the Disciples on Campus group. […]

College/University: Chapman University
Hometown: Indianapolis, Indiana

Hayden Skaggs

Hayden, a senior at Eureka College, is pursuing double majors in sociology/psychology and philosophy/religion, with a minor in political science. A Mansfield High School graduate, he was active in cross country and marching band. At Eureka, Hayden serves as Student Body Vice President, secretary of Eureka’s Alliance, runs cross country, and works as a youth […]

School: University of Chicago
Hometown: Jeffersonville, Indiana

MariaIsabelle Garcia

From Grand Rapids to Southern California, MariaIsabelle’s journey has been one of growth, learning, and passion. After spending six years in Southern California earning a bachelor’s degree at Chapman University and working at various nonprofits, she discovered a passion for advocacy and community work. This past year, MariaIsabelle worked at Groundswell’s Bridges program as a […]

Graduate Institution: University of Chicago
Hometown: Grand Rapids, Michigan

Madison Velazquez

Madison Velazquez is a student at Transylvania University, where she is pursuing her long-term goal of a career in the legal profession. She approaches leadership with resilience, responsibility, and a deep commitment to justice, viewing it as a calling to serve others in moments when care, clarity, and accountability matter most. At Transylvania, Madison has […]

Daniel Stewart

Daniel Stewart is an entering student at Eureka College, where he is studying history and secondary education. An Eagle Scout and longtime member of Scouting America, Daniel has developed a strong commitment to leadership, service, and mentorship through years of involvement in youth programs and community engagement. Throughout his scouting experience, Daniel has held numerous […]

Annika Fuller

Annika Fuller will be entering her second year at the University of Chicago’s Divinity School where she will be pursuing a Master’s in Divinity and a Master’s in Social Work. Following in both of her grandfather’s footprints, she is currently under care in the Florida region for ordination. She is seeking to become a licensed […]

Andrea Williams

Andrea is an undergraduate from Tulsa, Oklahoma, who recently graduated from Bishop Kelley High School and is beginning her freshman year at Drury University. She plans to major in Psychology and minor in Fine Arts while continuing her commitment to leadership, service, and community engagement. During high school, Andrea was active in a variety of […]

Kyler Heilman

Kyler Heilman recently graduated from Van Alstyne High School and is beginning his freshman year at Texas Christian University, where he is pursuing majors in Psychology and Religion. Throughout high school, Kyler was actively involved in athletics, playing basketball for four years, participating in Cross Country during his freshman through junior years, and competing in […]

Taeshawn Garrard

Taeshawn Garrard is a first-year student at Transylvania University, where he is pursuing a double major in Engineering and Psychology, combining his passion for technical innovation with a desire to better understand and serve people and communities. Originally from Lexington, Kentucky, Taeshawn recently graduated from Carter G. Woodson Academy. Throughout high school, Taeshawn demonstrated a […]

Ethan Early

Ethan is an undergraduate from Wichita Falls, Texas, who recently graduated from Wichita Falls Legacy High School and is beginning his freshman year at Texas Christian University. He plans to major in Marketing and minor in Music while preparing for a future career in ministry. During high school, Ethan was active in Peer Assistance and […]

Hana Brown

Hana recently graduated from Camdenton High School in Camdenton, Missouri, and is beginning her freshman year at Culver-Stockton College in Canton, Missouri, where she is pursuing a degree in Nursing. During high school, Hana served as drum major for three years, demonstrating exceptional leadership and dedication to her school’s music program. She also participated in […]

Ruth Berta

Ruth Berta is a Master’s of Divinity student at Phillips Theological Seminary with plans to be ordained in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). Ruth holds a Bachelor’s in Social Work from Messiah University (formerly Messiah College) and a Master’s in Social Work from Virginia Commonwealth University. Ruth lives in Charlottesville, Virginia with her spouse […]

School: Phillips Theological Seminary
Hometown: Charlottesville, Virginia

Anna Whittle

Anna Whittle is an incoming first-year Master of Divinity student at Vanderbilt Divinity School and the Disciples Divinity House. She graduated summa cum laude from Hope College in 2025 with a Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies and Women’s & Gender Studies. A fifth-generation member of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Anna is under […]

School: Vanderbilt University
Hometown: Louisville, Kentucky

Austin Luther

Austin Luther is a rising junior at the University of Lynchburg, where he majors in biology with a biomedical emphasis and chemistry. Before college, he graduated from Onward Christian Academy in Rustburg, Virginia. Austin is a member of the Bonner Leadership Program, Theoria Philosophy Club, Pre-Health Club, Chemistry Club, and the National Society of Leadership […]

College/University: University of Lynchburg
Hometown: Rustburg, VA

Jessica Griffith

Jessica Griffith is a Master of Divinity student at Lexington Theological Seminary, where she is pursuing a call to ministry rooted in radical inclusion, justice, and belonging. She graduated from St. Andrews University in 2015 with a degree in Social Sciences with a concentration in Politics. After college, Jessica returned to her hometown of Jacksonville, Florida, […]

School: Lexington Theological Seminary
Hometown: Jacksonville, Florida

Grace Dearhamer

Grace, a senior at Eureka College, studies philosophy/religion, psychology/sociology, and criminal justice. Graduating from Broken Arrow High School, she was active in various extracurriculars. At Eureka, she holds leadership roles in student organizations, including president of the class of 2024 and Disciples on Campus. Grace’s passion lies in youth ministry, social work, religious hospitality, and […]

College/University: Eureka College
Hometown: Broken Arrow, Oklahoma

Meet the Scholars

Meet The Scholars