Harding University College of Business announces recipients of Botham Jean Scholarship

Sep. 16, 2021 |

The Harding University Paul R. Carter College of Business Administration, in cooperation with PricewaterhouseCoopers, has selected four students as recipients of the Botham Jean Business Scholarship. The scholarship, established in 2019, supports historically underrepresented populations as they pursue degrees within the College of Business. This year’s recipients have been chosen for their academic excellence and demonstrated leadership.

Harding has awarded Trisha Magadu, a junior from Norton, Zimbabwe, as the 2021-22 recipient of the scholarship in Jean’s memory. Previous recipients Trinity Bolden, a sophomore from Searcy, Arkansas; Rollansky Daraote, a junior from North Miami, Florida; and Brittany Tate, a senior from San Diego, California, will continue to receive the scholarship through graduation. All four students are studying accounting in the College of Business Administration.

The scholarship was established by Harding and PwC in honor of Botham Jean, a 2016 alumnus of the University who was tragically killed Sept. 6, 2018, at his home in Dallas. Jean was a beloved risk assurance associate with PwC, proud Harding graduate and faithful Christian.

“This scholarship is aimed at honoring Botham’s life and enhancing his legacy to even greater heights,'' said Dr. Allen Frazier, dean of the College of Business Administration. “The students chosen demonstrate the qualities PwC asked us to look for — leadership, diligence, demonstrated capability and financial need. The College of Business is grateful to be a part of honoring Botham’s legacy, and I am confident these students will do the same.”

Jean came to the University from the Caribbean nation of Saint Lucia. During his time at Harding, he was a member of the Good News Singers, a resident assistant, an intern for the Rock House campus ministry, and a leader in Sub T-16 men’s social club. Jean frequently led worship during daily chapel services and other campus events. He was well-known for his charismatic and powerful song leading. After graduation, Jean moved to Dallas where he was hired by PwC following an internship with the company.

PwC initially established the scholarship fund with a gift of $50,000. Through personal contributions from PwC partners and staff and the PwC Matching Gift Program, it has grown to more than $800,000 as of June 30, 2021.