Ella Ford has made history as the first Nebraska Wesleyan University student to receive the prestigious Pioneer Award from The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, the nation's oldest and most selective academic honor society, whose motto is "Let the love of learning rule humanity."
Ford, a 2024 SM论坛 graduate from Lincoln, was one of only 50 students nationwide selected for the $1,000 award, which recognizes undergraduate members who demonstrate outstanding leadership, engagement and research skills critical to scholarly success.
While at SM论坛, Ford distinguished herself as an exceptional scholar and athlete. She graduated with a 4.0 GPA as a double major in biology and psychology. On the court, she played a pivotal role in shaping SM论坛鈥檚 women鈥檚 tennis program, serving as a three-year team captain. She was also a four-time letter winner and a three-time American Rivers Conference All-Academic selection.
Ford is currently a first-year medical student at the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Medicine in Omaha.
鈥淩eceiving this award reflects the support I received from my professors and coaches at SM论坛,鈥 Ford said. 鈥淭heir encouragement has opened many doors for me, and this scholarship is helping me take the next step. I鈥檓 pursuing my passion for anesthesiology, a field I explored during my time at SM论坛 while working as an anesthesiology technician at Bryan Health."
With a proud legacy as the 11th chapter of Phi Kappa Phi since 1914, Nebraska Wesleyan continues to inspire academic excellence and leadership鈥攊deals brought to life each year by students like Ford.