A new full-tuition scholarship — the Trustee Scholarship — has been awarded to six incoming Biola University students who exemplify academic excellence, strength of character, community contribution and Christian maturity. 

“The new Trustee Scholarship stands as one of Biola’s highest academic honors for incoming freshmen, and I am thrilled by the caliber of students it brings to our thriving community,” said Fitsum Mulat, vice president of enrollment management at Biola.

The Trustee Scholarship is awarded to select incoming undergraduate students who are earnest about their faith, serious about their scholarship and intent on serving God and others.The six recipients, who hail from five different states, will receive full tuition for the normal length of their academic program. 

Recipients were selected not only for their outstanding academic performance, but also for their demonstrated character and leadership. Each student chosen stood out to the selection committee as someone who would have meaningful influence on Biola’s campus. 

“This full-tuition award is reserved for those who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement, including outstanding GPAs and standardized test scores, paired with Christ-like character and a proven commitment to servant leadership,” said Mulat. “Trustee Scholars are more than high achievers; they are transformative leaders who embody Biola’s mission to develop globally minded Christian scholars. Their presence elevates our vibrant campus community, inspiring excellence and impacting the world for Christ.”

The incoming class of Trustees’ scholars includes Carson Miller from Kalispell, MT, Irelyn Easterling from Louisville, TN, Connor Walden from Pflugerville, TX, Zoe Robuck from Houston, TX, Meghan Cheung from San Ramon, CA, and Summer Sheppard from Winfield, IL.

Miller will be an engineering physics major in the fall and has influenced his peers and teachers through his work in tutoring and in coaching basketball. According to the selection committee, his achievements and character reflect Biola’s values at their best — intellectual rigor, spiritual maturity, humble service and Christ-centered leadership.

Easterling, who will be a Bible, theology and ministry major, has done evangelistic outreach in her community and demonstrated a heart for missions. She is a rising leader and plans to study bible theology, setting her up to shape culture and influence the church.

Waldon, an incoming game design and interactive media major, has been involved in leading Bible programs at his church and was instrumental in leading and coaching teams at this church. The selection committee describes him as a humble, strategic leader with a heart for evangelism, a sharp theological mind, and a deep respect for others — especially those coming from hardship or different worldviews.

Robuck will be starting her journey at Biola in the fall and is a visionary in classical music and has led students in being creative with their passion for music. She was described by the selection committee as an individual with  intellectual depth, spiritual maturity, creative imagination and relational warmth. 

Cheung is gifted in serving in her church and in leading worship for youth and will be a biochemistry major. The selection committee describes her as someone who walks humbly with God, pours into others with intentionality and love, and leads not for recognition but for the glory of Christ.

Sheppard has displayed admirable leadership in her church and will start her Biola journey as an engineering major. According to the selection committee, she embodies the heart of a humble, Spirit-led leader with a passion for service, discernment and relational integrity.

Each student received a personalized scholarship award experience, ranging from being honored in front of their schools to surprise Zoom calls. 

“I had the privilege of meeting with each of these students individually, and I was consistently moved by their stories, their vision for the future and their commitment to integrating faith into every aspect of their lives,” said Kayla Zuniga, director of undergraduate admissions. “While their academic performance initially caught our attention, it’s their passion for Jesus — and their desire to make Him known through their unique gifts and callings — that truly set them apart.”

This is the first year Biola offered a full tuition scholarship based on academic achievement, with applicants being eligible if they had a minimum high school unweighted GPA of 3.8 on a 4.0 scale and earning 1,500+ on the SAT, 34+ on the ACT or 110+ on the CLT. In addition, the students had to demonstrate service and leadership roles during their high school career. 

“The recipients of this year’s Trustee Scholarship are truly remarkable individuals who embody both academic excellence and a deep, authentic faith,” said Zuniga. “Each one of them stood out not just for their impressive achievements in the classroom, but for the way they live out their calling with purpose and intentionality.”

Applications for the Trustee Scholarship will be available to first-time, full-time undergraduate students for the 2026-2027 academic year. Learn more about Biola’s 250+ academic programs and apply today. Contact admissions@biola.edu with questions.  

Written by Sarah Dougher, media relations specialist. For more information, email meda.relations@biola.edu.