Emporia State University

« Back to Recent News

ESU Awards Full-Ride Scholarships to Nursing, Education Majors

by Gwendolynne Larson

Emporia, KS (12/13/2024) — Six high schools were filled with festive atmospheres as six seniors from three Kansas counties learned this week (Dec. 12 and 13, 2024) that they have full-ride scholarships to Emporia State University to pursue their career goals. Each of the six learned the news during assemblies at their high schools.

The second class of the Jones Premier Nursing + Education Scholarships are:

  • Emporia High School: Gabriela Arevalo of Emporia, nursing.
  • Hartford High School: Lilah Wilkinson of Gridley, education.
  • Marais Des Cygnes Valley High School: Allison Reeser of Melvern, nursing.
  • Olpe High School: Jaden Nuessen of Olpe, education
  • Santa Fe Trail High School: Samantha Spoonemore of Carbondale, education
  • Southern Coffey County High School: Emily Ludolph of LeRoy, nursing.

The Jones Foundation, named after Walter S. and Evan C. Jones, provides qualified, eligible applicants a full ride to pursue a career in education or nursing. Up to six high school seniors - one nursing student and one education student from each of the three counties served by the Jones Foundation (Lyon, Coffey, Osage) - are awarded the Jones Premier Nursing & Education Scholarship.

This prestigious scholarship covers the recipient's full cost of attendance including tuition, fees, room, board, books, etc., after any other scholarships or grants are applied. The students were selected by a panel who read their essays that answered two questions:

  1. Why have you chosen to enter the teaching or nursing profession?
  2. How will the Jones Foundation's investment in your education help improve lives in your community (Coffey, Lyon, or Osage county)?

The Jones Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to "improving the health and education of eligible Kansans in Coffey, Lyon and Osage counties."

As Jones Premier Scholars, each of the six students receives automatic acceptance to ESU's Honors College. Dr. Mary Shivley, dean of the Honors College, announced recipients at the assemblies.

"All of the essays submitted for these scholarships were inspiring," Shivley said. "This cohort will be an excellent addition to Emporia State's student body. I am so excited to work with them in the Honors College next year!"

About Emporia State University

Emporia State University offers a range of academic programs through its institute and seven schools: Applied Health Sciences, Business & Technology, Humanities & Social Sciences, Interdisciplinary Studies, Library and Information Management & Library and Archives, Science & Mathematics and Visual and Performing Arts, along with The Teachers College.

As the sole public university in Kansas to be recognized as a College of Distinction for eight consecutive years, ESU stands out for its innovative education practices. It ensures accessible education by offering in-state tuition rates to full-time undergraduate students from all lower-48 United States. Additionally, full-time undergraduates benefit from flat-rate tuition - students enrolled in 12 or more credit hours with at least one credit hour on campus pay a flat rate.

For more information on how to build your future at Emporia State University, please visit www.emporia.edu.

Media Attachments

Gabriela Arevalo, third from right, celebrates her selection as a Jones Premier Scholar in nursing. The high school senior has received a full-ride scholarship at Emporia State University.

Lilah Wilkinson, center, celebrates her selection as a Jones Premier Scholar in education. The high school senior has received a full-ride scholarship at Emporia State University.

Allison Reeser, third from right, celebrates her selection as a Jones Premier Scholar in nursing. The high school senior has received a full-ride scholarship at Emporia State University.

Jaden Nuessen, fourth from right, celebrates her selection as a Jones Premier Scholar in education. The high school senior has received a full-ride scholarship at Emporia State University.

Jaden Nuessen, a senior at Olpe High School, reacts to learning she has received a full-ride scholarship to Emporia State University to major in education.

Samantha Spoonemore, center, celebrates her selection as a Jones Premier Scholar in education. The high school senior has received a full-ride scholarship at Emporia State University.

Emily Ludolph, center, celebrates her selection as a Jones Premier Scholar in nursing. The high school senior has received a full-ride scholarship at Emporia State University.

Copyright © 2026 Merit Pages, Inc. • All Rights Reserved. • Terms of Service • Privacy Policy • Opt Out