NSU student receives Jeltz scholarship

(Tahlequah, Okla.)--Tiara Winston was awarded a $900 scholarship from the Jeltz Scholarship Foundation during a meeting at the Center for Admissions and Student Enrollment at Northeastern State University.

Winston, a junior majoring in social work, was presented the award by Dr. James L. Mosely, trustee chairman, on April 19.

"It is amazing that the Jeltz Foundation comes in to help where help is needed," Winston said. "On the application they asked about grades and activities, but then they took the time to visit me and talk about my background."

A graduate of Westmoore High School and resident of Muskogee, Winston is enrolled in 12 hours at NSU while working full time. She has two sons, ages 7 and 2. The older child attends Oklahoma School for the Blind.

Winston volunteers with Girl Scouts and Habitat for Humanity. She is also active in the National Association of Student Social Workers, Phi Beta Kappa honor society and Future Business Leaders of America-Phi Beta Lambda.

"I was initially a business major before I switched to social work," Winston said. "I still plan to use my business education. I hope to eventually open my own center for kids."

She maintains a 3.5 cumulative grade-point average and plans to graduate in December 2013. She is also a two-time recipient of the Jeltz scholarship, having received an award while attending Connors State College.

"The Jeltz endowment was founded with traditional students in mind, but it isn't difficult to see why we were impressed with Tiara's story," Mosely said.

The late Wyatt and Mattie Jeltz were African-American Oklahomans who dedicated their lives to education, employment opportunities and community service. The Jeltz Scholarship Foundation was endowed through assets they willed.

Jeltz scholarships provide assistance to minority students to pay for education expenses including tuition, fees and books. Recipients must be enrolled full time at a public Oklahoma institution, have accumulated at least 30 credit hours with a minimum 2.8 cumulative grade-point average, possess "good personal character" and demonstrate financial need.