March 18, 2025 | Emily Reier ’28
For Tyler Lewis ’26 the path to success has been anything but easy.
Raised in Greensboro, NC, Lewis is not only a dedicated scholar but also a passionate advocate for marine conservation, with aspirations of one day working with whales on the West Coast and giving back to communities in Africa.
Lewis’ determination has carried him through the challenges of financing his education. “I pay for my education entirely on my own, working over 40 hours a week at two part-time jobs,” he shared. Yet despite the financial hurdles, his commitment to his studies and career goals have remained unwavering.
Lewis is a junior in the Honors College, double majoring in marine biology and international studies with concentrations in marine conservation and environment, and a recipient of the Preyer Family Scholarship.
The Preyer Family Scholarship, which supports students committed to majoring in marine biology, has had a profound impact on Lewis’ academic and personal growth. “This scholarship allows me to be more intentional with my coursework,” he explained. “Instead of treating assignments as just another checklist, I now have the time to truly think critically about the material and apply it to real-world situations.”
For some students, a scholarship is more than just financial assistance — it’s a lifeline that turns aspirations into reality. For Lewis, the Preyer Family Scholarship was that pivotal support. “This scholarship may have saved my education and kept me from giving up,” he reflects.
Lewis’ passion for marine biology has been put into practice through hands-on experience at UNCW’s Shellfish Research Hatchery and his active involvement in campus organizations such as UNCW Plastic Ocean Project (POP) and the Marine Mammal Stranding Program (MMSP). His dedication to conservation has already led him to rewrite a protocol for the Hawaiian Monk Seal Research Team at just 19 years old.
“That opportunity taught me professionalism in a way I hadn’t experienced before,” said Lewis. “It made me realize that this is not just school; it’s the beginning of my career.”
In addition to his studies, perhaps the most profound impact of the scholarship has been the ability to invest more in his community and future aspirations. Lewis is considering starting a club focused on traveling to Africa to provide humanitarian aid — a project made possible by the time and freedom the scholarship has afforded him.
As Lewis continues to make strides in his academic and professional journey, he’s also looking forward to giving back in the future. To prospective donors, “Philanthropy changes lives. It allows students like me to focus on our future, to grow professionally, and to eventually give back to others,” says Lewis.
For more information on how you can support scholarships like the Preyer Family Scholarship and help students like Lewis reach their full potential, visit the UNCW giving site.