Poole College Launches Inaugural Dean’s Scholars Program

One potential recipient of a new Poole College scholarship already started his own nonprofit. Others are community volunteers, band members and athletes. And they’re high performers academically.

Are they current Poole students? No — they’re still in high school. But five of them will join Poole College this fall as the first-ever Dean’s Scholars, marking the launch of an initiative designed to attract and support high-achieving students from North Carolina’s underserved counties.

Funded through donor contributions, the Dean’s Scholars Program provides a $10,000 annual renewable scholarship for four years to students ranking in the top 10% of their high school class. But it’s more than just a scholarship — it’s a comprehensive student success program that includes:

• Personalized mentoring and career coaching
• A designated academic advisor for tailored support
• Exclusive professional development opportunities
• Engagement in Poole Packways

Attracting and Supporting Top Talent

A Poole College selection committee reviewed student applications and was deeply impressed by the caliber of candidates.

“I’ve been really blown away by the candidates and the things they’ve been able to achieve at their age,” says Laryssa Banks, assistant director of student affairs and advocacy. “The students and their stories are phenomenal. Their desire to work in business, and the things they are already doing to prepare for that, are amazing.”

The program aims to increase enrollment and retention of top students from underserved counties while expanding Poole’s geographic reach. It also strengthens Poole’s financial aid competitiveness with other North Carolina schools.

A Transformational Impact on Poole College

Most importantly, the Dean’s Scholars Program enhances Poole’s academic community by fostering a cohort of student leaders who will engage in high-impact learning experiences. These scholars won’t just benefit from the program — they will help shape Poole’s culture as role models, mentors and future business leaders.

“This initiative will elevate the student experience at Poole by developing scholars who serve as role models and leaders,” says Dean Frank Buckless. “It also enhances our ability to attract top talent from across North Carolina, strengthening our reputation and reach.”

This scholarship program is also distinctive because students do not have to apply for it separately after enrolling. Instead, selected students are notified of their Dean’s Scholar status upon admission, ensuring they can make their college decision with financial support already in place.

Expectations for Dean’s Scholars

To maintain their scholarship, Dean’s Scholars are expected to actively engage in Poole programs and leadership opportunities, including:

• Maintaining an average 3.0 GPA
• Participating in Poole Packways, which includes internships, study abroad, student organizations, peer mentoring, and leadership development

“We want students to really be involved in Poole programs and Poole leadership,” says Jaquan Scott, committee member and the college’s associate director of admissions.

Measuring Success and Long-Term Impact

Poole College will track the program’s success through key metrics, including:

• Retention and graduation rates
• Participation in high-impact experiences
• Academic performance
• Leadership contributions
• Job placement outcomes

By investing in these students, Poole College is strengthening its commitment to student success, academic excellence, and expanding access to business education across North Carolina.

“These students represent some of North Carolina’s best and brightest,” Scott says. “They understand the power of business to drive positive change, and Poole College is excited to help them turn their aspirations into reality.”

With continued donor support, the Dean’s Scholars Program will become a defining initiative within Poole College, further establishing its role in developing future business leaders and expanding educational opportunities for high-achieving students across the state.