News

Lee University students Matthew Dohmeier and Jordan Wagers were recently named the 2021-22 Tucker Scholar recipients in natural science and mathematics, respectively.

The scholarship is awarded to a rising senior majoring in the field of natural science or mathematics. Candidates for the Tucker Scholarship are nominated by faculty and chosen based on outstanding academic achievement. Consideration is given to financial need, and priority is given to students who graduated from an East Tennessee high school.

The Tucker Foundation Endowed 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.

Dohmeier is a senior biological science major with a pre-physical therapy emphasis. He is from Ooltewah, Tennessee, and is a graduate of Silverdale Baptist Academy High School. At Lee, Dohmeier has been a peer leader for incoming freshmen and was a member of the Spikeball/Roundnet Club. He has also participated in intramural soccer and volleyball.

Upon graduation, Dohmeier hopes to be accepted into a physical therapy program and eventually work at a university or clinic as a physical therapist.

“I’m so thankful for the generosity of people like the Johnstons for funding these types of scholarships,” said Dohmeier. “It’s through them that students’ college experiences are made more affordable. We have a lot of students in the math and science departments that are very hard working and diligent, so to be awarded this prestigious scholarship out of this exceptional pool of students is very encouraging and will continue to drive me to pursue excellence.”

Wagers, a mathematics education major, is from Cleveland, Tennessee. She graduated from Cleveland High School in 2018 and transferred to Lee in the fall of 2020. She is currently a student worker in the Helen DeVos College of Education. Wagers has also served as a math tutor, was accepted into the Teacher Education Program (TEP), and is a member of Kappa Delta Pi, the education honors society.

Upon graduation, she plans to teach math locally and then move after the completion of a master’s degree.

“Receiving the Tucker scholarship is such an honor,” said Wagers. “I have only attended Lee for a year, but I have met several amazing professors and fellow students that have encouraged me to work hard and appreciate the field of mathematics. This scholarship will assist me in finishing my degree so I can achieve my dream of teaching mathematics.”

For more information about the natural science and mathematics Tucker Foundation Endowed Scholarship, contact the Department of Natural Science at (423) 614-8115.