TJC’s Naomi Moody awarded Baylor Bound Presidential Transfer Scholarship
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| Sept. 1, 2026 |
Naomi Moody, Baylor Bound Presidential Transfer Scholarship winner, and family celebrate her graduation from TJC this May on campus.
TYLER, Texas — Ever since high school, Tyler Junior College graduate Naomi Moody knew she wanted to attend Baylor University, although initially that goal felt out of reach. A combination of her dedication to academics and the support of TJC led her to the Baylor Bound Presidential Transfer Scholarship, a prestigious award that will allow her to complete her bachelor’s degree at Baylor University.
Established in 1989, the Baylor Bound Presidential Transfer Scholarship is awarded annually to one TJC graduate who has demonstrated exceptional academic achievement while actively participating in the TJC Presidential Honors Program. It provides the recipient with full tuition and fees covered for up to two years.
“Naomi’s selection highlights her strong academic preparation and outstanding achievement in pursuing her academic goals,” said Jasmine Fuller, TJC scholarship coordinator. “Eligible students must be on track to graduate, maintain good standing, and achieve a minimum cumulative 3.5 GPA. Naomi exceeded those expectations throughout her time at TJC.”
Moody credits much of her success to the support she received through TJC’s Presidential Honors Program.
“Meeting with Dr. Mejia helped boost my confidence, as did the academic support I received from my professor, Dr. Andrea Hathcote, and my Honors coordinators, Dave Funk and Dannika Blackhurst,” Moody said.
Among her accomplishments, Moody is most proud of her Honors Capstone Research Project, which explored entomophobia, the fear of insects.
“I wanted to know which characteristics of insects make people afraid of them and why they have such a big impact on individuals,” Moody said. “Being paired with the best professors and students in the Presidential Honors Program led me to think more deeply about my research. They also helped me tremendously with resources needed for my research, including sourcing which insects to use and providing financial assistance with purchasing the necessary items for this project.”
The scholarship not only recognizes academic achievement but also eases the financial burden of earning a bachelor’s degree. For Moody, however, it represents something even more meaningful: the opportunity to attend the university she has dreamed of for years.
“Receiving this scholarship means going to the university I’ve wanted to attend since my junior year of high school,” Moody said. “Getting to Baylor has always been a goal for me, and now that I’ve gotten in and have this scholarship, I’d be foolish not to take it. As for my future at Baylor, I plan to make the most of my time there as I pursue my medical degree.”
The Baylor Bound Presidential Transfer Scholarship is one of many transfer opportunities available to TJC students. Through transfer partnerships, scholarships and academic support programs, TJC helps students continue their education at universities across Texas and beyond.
More information about TJC transfer scholarships is available at TJC.edu/TransferScholarships.
About TJC
Tyler Junior College is a comprehensive public community college located in East Texas. It was founded in 1926 and is celebrating its 100th anniversary, offering a wide range of programs, including bachelor’s degrees, associate degrees, certificates, and workforce or vocational training. TJC offers more than 135 programs of study in areas including arts, sciences, health professions, business, technology and trades, and it helps both traditional students and adult learners.
TJC serves almost 20,000 students annually across its credit and non-credit programs, with more than 16,000 in credit programs and nearly 4,000 in continuing studies. TJC strives to provide an outstanding educational experience that prepares students for success in their careers and communities.
Throughout its 145-acre central campus and multiple sites, TJC features rigorous academics, 70 national athletic championships, stellar fine and performing arts programs, modern residential facilities, along with organizations and clubs that promote student engagement and diversity.
For more information visit: TJC.edu.
