Harding University College of Business Administration announces recipients of Botham Jean Scholarship

Sep. 29, 2022 |

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 . Established in 2019, the scholarship supports historically underrepresented populations as they pursue degrees within the College of Business Administration. This year’s recipients have been chosen for their academic excellence and demonstrated leadership.

Harding has chosen Malik Young, a freshman from Cordova, Tennessee; and Allen Watson, a junior from Wynne, Arkansas, as the 2022-23 recipients of the scholarship in Jean’s memory. Previous recipients Trisha Magadu, a senior from Norton, Zimbabwe, and Rollansky Darote, a senior from Miami, Florida, will continue to receive the scholarship through their graduation. All four students are studying accounting.

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 and faithful Christian.

"The qualities we witnessed in Botham — scholarship, leadership, diligence and a great desire to serve others — are the same qualities we are looking for in the scholarship recipient,” Dr. Allen Frazier, dean of the College of Business Administration, said. “This is a great way to continue to honor Botham Jean!"

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 $900,000.

Harding University is a private Christian, liberal arts university located in Searcy, Arkansas. Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, it is the largest private university in the state. Harding’s student body represents students from across the U.S. and more than 50 nations and territories. The University offers more than 110 undergraduate majors; 14 preprofessional programs; more than 40 graduate and professional programs; as well as numerous study abroad opportunities including locations in Australasia, Peru, England, Greece, Italy and Zambia. For more information, visit harding.edu .