“When I talk to people about the scholarship, I tell them I won the lottery when it comes to my college education.”

This is how Jenna Meyer describes being the inaugural recipient of the David W. Wilson Scholars Endowed Fund Scholarship. This scholarship, funded by Wilson’s historic $25 million donation, covers tuition, fees, room and board after all grants and other earned scholarships are applied. It is exclusively for students from a high school in Tama County, David Wilson’s home county, to pursue a major in the Wilson College of Business.

Meyer is a freshman UNI student studying human resource management who graduated from South Tama High School. She always knew she wanted to go to college, but paying for a four-year degree was daunting.

“Financially, I was a little worried about coming to college,” Meyer admitted. “This scholarship definitely relieved that burden for me and my family. So I’m really blessed from that aspect, and it's just a super special thing.”

Meyer chose to major in human resource management because she likes the way it combines psychology and business. She hopes to someday work in HR for a bigger company.  The David W. Wilson Scholars Endowed Fund Scholarship helps her get one step closer to achieving that dream.

“The financial aspect is so helpful,” she said. “Once I get out of college, I won't have to worry about student loans. I'll be able to jump right into my career.”

Both Meyer’s parents graduated from UNI, so she was exposed to the university at an early age. She always loved UNI’s size and prestige of the business program. When she found out she’d been awarded a full-ride scholarship, that sealed the deal.

Although she is only a couple months into her college experience, Meyer has been blown away by the kindness and support of everyone on campus. She’s made friends in the dorms and in her classes. Even before coming to UNI, Elizabeth Soliz, director of the Office of Professional Distinction, was very helpful when it came to Meyer filling out UNI’s scholarship application. Meyer now works with Soliz as a program assistant.

“Everyone here is super welcoming, and I really feel like I belong here, and everyone is here to help you,” she said.

As she adjusts to life on campus, Meyer is looking forward to getting more involved with groups and events.

Meyer is the first Wilson Scholar at UNI, but eventually four scholarships will be funded annually. 

“The scholarship opened so many doors for me, and I'm sure it's going to open so many more as the years go by,” she said. “It's a great opportunity.”