Alexis Wright
Lee University senior Alexis Wright has received the 2017-18 Tucker Foundation Scholarship for Natural Science and Mathematics.
Ms. Wright, a biological science major from Cleveland, was nominated by the professors in her department based on her outstanding academic achievement.
“I am so thankful to the Tucker Foundation for this scholarship because through receiving it, I was able to go on a medical missions cross cultural trip to Guatemala this summer,” said Ms. Wright. “It was a dream come true for me to use the knowledge I have gained here at Lee and apply it in the field by providing medical care to those who otherwise could not receive it.”
Since graduating from Walker Valley High School as the salutatorian of her class, Ms. Wright has joined many academic clubs at Lee. She has been involved in Alpha Chi, Alpha Phi Delta, Phi Eta Sigma, and TriBeta honor societies.
Ms. Wright has also participated in Big Pal Little Pal, which is a mentoring program that pairs Lee students with children of The Boys and Girls Club. Additionally, Ms. Wright has received the Presidential Scholarship, the Rymer Scholarship, the iMASS Scholarship, the Tennessee HOPE Scholarship, and the Honors Scholarship.
Upon graduating in May, she plans to enter a Doctor of Philosophy program for molecular biology and biochemistry at the University of Tennessee at Knoxville. Ms. Wright hopes to return to Lee as a professor in the science department after completing her graduate education.
“Alexis is a wonderful student. Not only is she gifted intellectually, but she also strives to excel in all that she does,” said Dr. Lori West, associate professor of biology at Lee. “I am confident that she will become an accomplished biochemist.”
The scholarship is awarded to a rising senior majoring in the field of natural science or mathematics. Consideration is given to financial need, and priority is given to students who graduated from an East Tennessee high school.
The Tucker Foundation Scholarship was introduced in 2009 as part of an institutional initiative to enhance natural science and mathematics at Lee University. The endowed scholarship was established by the Tucker Foundation on behalf of Mr. and Mrs. Summerfield K. Johnston, Jr.
For more information about the Tucker Scholarship, contact the Department of Natural Science and Mathematics at 614-8115.