The inaugural cohort of the Triton Business Scholars includes (from left) Ja’Mya Porchia, Alexis Nixon, Isabelle Cook, Kayla Watts, Sophia Ngo and Eli Bridger. The students are the first to benefit from a new scholarship program at UMSL. (Photo by Derik Holtmann)
Six University of Missouri–St. Louis freshmen are the first students to be named Triton Business Scholars, a new scholarship program that provides full-tuition support for four years of undergraduate study in the Ed. G. Smith College of Business.
Established in connection with the naming of the college in 2025, the Triton Business Scholars fund was launched with a contribution from alum Ed G. Smith as well as matching funds from other donors. The program is designed to draw high-achieving students to UMSL and support them throughout their undergraduate careers.
“The college has never had a scholarship like this before,” College of Business Dean Shu Schiller said. “We have various types of scholarships, and they serve different purposes, different student populations, but this is so exciting because now we’re able to say we really have invested financially to attract the top-tier high school students to come and join us.”
The initiative marks a new effort by the college to recognize academic excellence while helping students focus on their education and professional development. Scholarship recipients must maintain high academic standing and remain in the College of Business to continue receiving the funding throughout their four years of undergraduate study, with renewal eligibility to be determined in a consultation between the College of Business and the Office of Student Financial Services.
Schiller sees the program as an investment not only in students’ academic success but also in their development as future business leaders. She hopes the scholars will take advantage of opportunities to engage in campus life, pursue undergraduate research, develop leadership skills and build professional networks.
“I envision them as our top honors type of student in the College of Business,” Schiller said.
The college plans to name seven or eight new Triton Business Scholars each year, with the goal of eventually supporting about 30 students across all four undergraduate classes at any given time. As the program grows, Schiller hopes the scholars will become increasingly involved in campus organizations and leadership opportunities, contributing to a community of students who challenge and encourage one another.
The inaugural cohort also will help the college demonstrate the program’s impact to prospective students and families. By sharing the scholars’ experiences, academic interests and involvement outside the classroom, Schiller hopes to give future applicants a better understanding of what the opportunity can offer.
“In addition to academics, these students will rise up as strong leaders,” Schiller said. “Soon, we will read their stories and learn more about the experiences they will have in the leadership domain.”
With continued support, the college hopes to expand its ability to attract talented students and provide them with a strong foundation for their academic and professional futures.
Each of the six freshmen in the inaugural cohort brings a distinct set of interests, ambitions and experiences to UMSL, along with the chance to explore those interests and prepare for a future in business. Learn more about them:
Eli Bridger
St. Charles West High School
Marketing
Bridger decided to pursue marketing as a way to combine his professional ambitions with his personal interests. Although history was his favorite subject in high school, he saw marketing as a more practical career path with opportunities across a wide range of industries. Bridger chose UMSL for its proximity to home, financial aid opportunities and his previous experiences with the university. After graduation, he hopes to work in advertising for a company whose products or services interest him. Outside the classroom, Bridger enjoys listening to a variety of music, including rap, rock and pop, and can talk about music for hours.
Isabelle Cook
St. Charles High School
Accounting
Cook has a longstanding passion for music, having played in orchestra since fifth grade and in jazz band throughout high school. A versatile musician, Cook plays double bass, guitar and drums, making her what she calls “basically a one-person rhythm section.” Her decision to attend UMSL was shaped by its appreciation for the performing arts and the welcoming community she encountered during the admissions process. Receiving the Triton Business Scholars scholarship ultimately helped make her decision to attend UMSL an easy one. Cook plans to study accounting and pursue a career as a certified public accountant at one of the Big Four accounting firms. Motivated by seeing how hard work and practice come together to achieve a goal, she enjoys taking on new challenges.
Sophia Ngo
Bayless High School
Accounting
Sophia Ngo enjoys both the arts and mathematics, interests that reflect her creative side and analytical strengths. She chose UMSL for its business program, welcoming campus atmosphere and opportunities for personal growth, with the Triton Business Scholars scholarship helping make the decision even more appealing. Although she has not settled on a specific career path, a recent study abroad opportunity in Finland through a Global Business program at UMSL sparked her interest in international marketing and working with people from different cultures. Inspired by her family and the sacrifices they have made to give her opportunities, Ngo hopes to build a successful future that makes them proud. She also enjoys experimenting with creative hobbies, including bedazzling everyday objects, crafting flowers from pipe cleaners and making decorative pieces from clay.
Alexis Nixon
Pacific High School
Undeclared
Nixon was drawn to UMSL by the welcoming atmosphere of the Pierre Laclede Honors College and the university’s programs designed to prepare students for the future. Nixon, who served as editor-in-chief for her high school yearbook, has a particular interest in history and hopes to pursue a career in flipping houses after graduation. Inspired by her father, David, who overcame humble beginnings to build a life he could be proud of, Nixon enjoys challenging herself by picking up new hobbies. Her current favorites include singing, reading, hiking and running.
Ja’Mya Porchia
Ritenour High School
Undeclared
A St. Louis native who grew up in the Overland and St. Ann areas, Porchia became familiar with UMSL through its longstanding partnerships with the Ritenour School District. Although language arts was her favorite subject in school, she is still exploring her academic interests and deciding on a major. After college, Porchia hopes to pursue real estate investing, buying and renovating houses to sell. She is motivated by the possibility of overcoming past challenges, building a successful future and finding ways to give back to her community. Outside the classroom, Porchia serves in the Army National Guard.
Kayla Watts
Pattonville High School
Accounting
Watts became confident in her decision to attend UMSL after touring campus during her junior year of high school. Although UMSL had already been on her radar because her mother is an alum, the residence hall layouts and an enthusiastic tour guide helped seal the deal. Watts was active in several high school organizations, including Mock Trial, Renaissance Club, the National English Honor Society and National Honor Society, and she played tennis for three years at Pattonville. Now studying accounting, she hopes to become a certified public accountant after graduation. She also has had a job at a hibachi restaurant for the past three years. The oldest of five children, Watts enjoys spending time away from school and work with her family.
