President Saunders with 2023 UWF Top Scholars

UWF Top Scholars

Bright minds and brilliant futures.

And we’re here to set them on the best path.

The University of West Florida attracts high-performing students from across the country—those with potential to become future leaders who will change the world. We’re proud to call them Argos, and we show it by rewarding their hard work with our most prestigious scholarships.

Each year, we award the best and brightest freshmen with the University's top scholarships, valued at more than $50,000 each. We believe in the power of higher education to change lives—and this is one way we’re making it happen.

We are delighted that these high-performing students chose the University of West Florida. UWF has nationally competitive academic programs that give our students the opportunity to challenge themselves while preparing for their careers or for graduate school. Our focus on high-impact learning for our students is one of the things that sets us apart.

UWF President Dr. Martha Saunders
UWF president Martha Saunders

We are delighted that these high-performing students chose the University of West Florida. UWF has nationally competitive academic programs that give our students the opportunity to challenge themselves while preparing for their careers or for graduate school. Our focus on high-impact learning for our students is one of the things that sets us apart.

UWF President Dr. Martha Saunders

National Merit Finalists

Each year, more than one million high school juniors enter the National Merit Scholarship Competition and approximately 15,000 meet the requirements for Finalist standing. Learn about the National Merit Finalists who chose UWF below.

2023 National Merit Finalists
2022 Finalist
2021 Finalist
2019 Finalists
2018 Finalists

Not Pictured: Joshua Wood

2017 Finalists

President’s Scholarship Competition Recipients

UWF hosts an annual, one-day competition where the best and brightest students from across the state vie for the institution’s top scholarships. We believe in rewarding our own talented students of today and providing them with the knowledge and skills needed to become leaders, guiding our state into the future.


Pace Presidential Award Recipients

Lucia Dillersberger portrait

Lucia Dillersberger

Hometown: Lecanto, Florida

Major: Environmental Science

Lamb Ngafeeson portrait

Lamb Ngafeeson

Hometown: Port St. Lucie, Florida

Major: Psychology

Kyra Parris portrait

Kyra Parris

Hometown: Ocala, Florida

Major: Design and Technology

Bre Rayon portrait

Bre Rayon

Hometown: Navarre, Florida

Major: General Business

T'Yanna Williams portrait

T'Yanna Williams

Hometown: Panama City, Florida

Major: Biomedical Sciences

Argo Spirit Scholarship Recipients

This full-ride, competitive scholarship will be awarded to first-time in college freshmen who have shown strength of character, or "Argo Spirit." Argo Spirit involves overcoming obstacles, fighting for something important, and making an impact while in high school. This can be in the form of leadership, family contribution, community engagement, etc.


Argo Spirit Scholarship Recipients

Rachel Ebbighausen portrait

Rachel Ebbighausen

Hometown: Milton, Florida

Major: Exercise Science

Cassidy Hinkle portrait

Cassidy Hinkle

Hometown: Sarasota, Florida

Major: General Business

Tobi Mcmains portrait

Tobi Mcmains

Hometown: Pace Florida

Major: Undeclared

Jordan Miley-Dingler portrait

Jordan Miley-Dingler

Hometown: Lakeland, Florida

Major: Construction Management

Jajuan Smith portrait

Jajuan Smith

Hometown: Ocala, Florida

Major: Engineering Technology

four uwf students in a row in class looking off camera