Madison Mullen, a 2018 graduate of Maize High School in Wichita, was not sure if college would be a possibility for her without a ‘full-ride’ scholarship when she graduated high school. She participated in one of the four Presidential Scholarship competition days at McPherson College and today is a freshman pursuing a major in art education.
“I knew college wouldn’t be possible financially without a scholarship,” she said. “Now I have the opportunity to express myself creatively and I’m very appreciative especially when I think about what I might be doing without a college education.”
Mullen was selected from a field of 75 high school seniors to receive the four-year renewable, full-tuition scholarship awarded to one student each year. Students who apply to McPherson College and qualify academically are eligible to compete in the Presidential Scholarship program. Award packages between $13,000-$18,000 are offered to students based on their high school academic record, round table discussion, personal interview, and cognitive ability test.
“Before I was told that I had received the scholarship, I was leaning toward going to a state school. I was very surprised when I found out that I had received the top scholarship,” Mullen said. “I went home after the Presidential Scholarship day thinking I could have done better.”
Mullen is also taking advantage of a new academic opportunity at McPherson College, the accelerated teacher education program. She has worked with her adviser in creating an academic plan that will allow her to complete a bachelor’s and master’s degree in just four years.
“I have always wanted to be a teacher, and return to teach in Wichita where I grew up,” she said. “Being able to graduate with a bachelor’s and a master’s degree is an amazing opportunity.”
Learn more about the Presidential Scholarship.