TUFW Student Wins National Scholarship Contest

Date: August 15, 2008

Harmony Wheeler, a junior Professional Writing major at TUFW, is one of five writing students from across the country to win a Robert Walker Scholarship in Christian Journalism for the 2008-2009 academic year.

TUFW Professor Dr. Dennis Hensley encouraged Harmony to enter the contest and was happy to write the letter of recommendation for her.

"I encouraged Harmony to file for the Robert Walker scholarship because I knew that the judges were always impressed with a student who could maintain excellent grades in college while also succeeding at getting published. Harmony had done a cover story for a national magazine, as well as reviews and news articles. She had both the academic and the professional working credentials," said Dr. Hensley. 

In addition to Dr. Hensley's recommendation, Harmony was required to submit a letter explaining her interest in and commitment to Christian journalism, her current resume, her transcript, and five published works.

"I didn't expect to get the scholarship and had forgotten about it when the letter came in the mail," said Harmony. "At first I thought it had to do with a scholarship I got through TUFW, but then I compared it to the application guidelines Dr. Hensley had given me. When I realized what it really was I went crazy."

Dr. Hensley's excitment nearly matched Harmony's.

"I was doubly delighted when I got the news that Harmony had won the scholarship," said Dr. Hensley. "First, because no TUFW student had ever won this award previously, and it would mean a lot of national publicity for both Harmony and for our TUFW writing program. But second, it was exciting to learn that the scholarship had been doubled this year to $2,000. Students can always use extra money to pay for tuition and books."

After Harmony called her mom and dad to share the news, she e-mailed a "thank you" to Dr. Hensley.

"He basically told me I had to apply. If it weren't for him, this never would have happened," said Harmony. "I'm very grateful to the wonderful professors I have at TUFW."

Robert Walker was the founder of Christian Life Missions, and many consider him to be a pioneer of Christian journalism. He established a correspondence school called the Christian Writers' Institute and a publishing company called Creation House. In 1962, Taylor University awarded Walker an honorary doctorate.