By Samantha Scott ’27

The Virginia Foundation for Independent Colleges (VFIC) recently announced the inaugural cohort for its Presidential Scholars Program, with Shenandoah University’s Dillon Mauzy ’29 selected as one of the recipients.

Mauzy, who is pursuing a Bachelor of Business Administration with a concentration in accounting, said he was grateful for this opportunity. 

“I was incredibly honored to be chosen for the inaugural VFIC Presidential Scholars Program cohort,” he said. “It is a huge honor to be a part of this program and it is a huge blessing, to say the least. Being selected makes me feel grateful for the support I have received, and it gives me motivation to make the most of this amazing opportunity.” 

The program, launched for the 2026-27 academic year, recognizes one outstanding sophomore student from each of the 17 VFIC independent colleges and universities in the commonwealth.

Students selected for the Presidential Scholars Program are given a $10,000 annual scholarship for up to three years. Mentorships provided by their college or university president and statewide networking opportunities are also granted through this program. 

Mauzy he’s extremely excited to “meet and learn from influential leaders” such as Shenandoah President Tracy Fitzsimmons, Ph.D., especially through the different connections the program provides. “I hope to take what I learn from these opportunities and apply it to my leadership roles here at Shenandoah University and my involvement in the Winchester community.” 

Another benefit of the VFIC scholarship is it funds an academic opportunity, ranging from the ability to study abroad, obtain an internship or conduct a research project.

“I look forward to getting to know the students from the other universities and learning from their different experiences and perspectives,” Mauzy said. “Being able to build these relationships with other highly motivated students means I get to surround myself with great people to help me grow personally and professionally.” 

Mauzy has already started reaping the benefits of this scholarship. He explained that the cohort’s first in-person meeting at Randolph-Macon University was especially impactful. “We participated in leadership discussions and roundtables with impactful business leaders, where we could ask questions and learn more from their personal and career experiences.”

Being that his experience with the VFIC has just begun, Mauzy is enthusiastic about the future opportunities that can put his leadership skills into practice in real-world settings. He noted that the VFIC emphasizes building strengths and learning how to become a more effective leader while combatting adversity. 

Upon graduation, Mauzy aspires to become a certified public accountant and hopes that  this opportunity “will enhance my experience at Shenandoah University by building on my leadership skills and applying them into different roles. I also hope to use what I learn from the other scholars and influential leaders to become an even stronger leader and make a positive impact on the Winchester community.” 

The VFIC plans to expand the Presidential Scholars Program annually by adding a new cohort each year until three cohorts are active simultaneously, leading to a prosperous network of alumni for the commonwealth. 

The VFIC’s mission is to ensure that academically qualified students — many of whom are first-generation college students — have the chance to attend an independent institution regardless of their financial circumstances. Through strategic fundraising, partnerships, and student-centered programs, VFIC has provided more than $183 million in support to its member institutions and their students since its founding. For additional information on the VFIC, visit vfic.org.

Top photograph courtesy of the VFIC