The Golden LEAF Foundation, a nonprofit organization that strives to create economic opportunities in North Carolina’s rural, tobacco-dependent, and economically distressed communities, hosted UNCW Golden LEAF Scholars on Thursday, April 14 for a special evening of recognition, appreciation, and inspiring impact.
“You all represent the best of the best,” said UNCW Vice Chancellor Eddie Stuart ’05. “Golden LEAF recognizes that, and we’re honored to be here to help and support you throughout your college journey.”
Over the past 25 years — through leadership in grantmaking, collaboration, innovation, and stewardship as an independent and perpetual foundation — Golden LEAF has awarded more than 29,000 scholarships to rural students at 21 different North Carolina colleges and universities, including more than 30 students at UNCW.
“Our goal is to give students from rural and distressed communities across North Carolina the opportunity to go to a college or university. We hope that after they earn their degree, they’ll go back to a rural community, put their education to work, and help that rural community continue to grow and prosper,” said Scott Hamilton, President and Chief Executive Officer of Golden LEAF. “Because if rural North Carolina doesn’t succeed, North Carolina as a whole doesn’t succeed.”
Inspiring the next generation of Golden LEAF Scholars, Tanaesha Atkinson ’24, shared her experience at UNCW and her gratitude for the impact the Golden LEAF Foundation made on her academic and professional journey.
“The Golden LEAF Scholarship meant more to me than just financial support and is a gift I will never take for granted,” said Atkinson. “It opened doors to countless opportunities and helped ease the financial burden of college — giving me the space to grow, flourish, and make the most of every opportunity. It gave me the freedom to get involved, to serve, to lead, and to discover what I was capable of achieving.”
Now serving as a UNCW Work Control Coordinator with the UNCW Facilities Administration Department, Atkinson is continuing her passion for serving others and making her impact on the Seahawk community. She encouraged current Golden LEAF scholars to make the most of every resource UNCW offers, connect with their professors, dive into their interests, and build relationships with their peers.
"You are here for a reason,” she said. “You’ve been chosen not only because of your potential, but because of the impact you’re destined to make. Golden LEAF has not only invested in your education, but they have also invested in your future and the future of our communities.
The Golden LEAF Scholarship is open to high school seniors and community college transfer students who reside in a qualifying rural, economically distressed North Carolina county. Learn more about Golden LEAF, scholarship and eligibility requirements, and more at scholars.goldenleaf.org.
All current and newly admitted UNCW students are encouraged to visit the UNCW Scholarship Manager platform to learn more about UNCW scholarship opportunities, application eligibility, requirements, and deadlines. The final deadline to apply for 2025-26 academic year scholarships is quickly approaching, with June 1 as the closing date. For additional information or questions regarding the scholarship application, contact the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid.
Learn more about donor-funded scholarships, or creating your own scholarship, by visiting giving.uncw.edu.