Student Finalists Nominated for 2026 Board of Trustees Scholarship
Published: April 08, 2026 | Author: SUU | Read Time: 4 minutes
Southern Utah University is proud to announce the 2026 finalists for the prestigious Board of Trustees Scholarship. Funded by SUU's Board of Trustees, this scholarship is awarded to one outstanding SUU student at the end of their junior year. Finalists are nominated from each of the University’s colleges to represent the finest of SUU. Each of these students has demonstrated exceptional dedication to their academic pursuits.
Beverley Taylor Sorenson College of Education and Human Development
Claire Ames was selected as the nominee for the College of Education and Human Development. Ames is an online student from Sandy, Utah, who chose SUU because the University’s online curriculum allowed her to work full-time while still gaining immersive experiences through practicum work and Zoom meetings.
After she graduates, Ames plans to teach full-time in Sandy and pursue a graduate degree in Applied Behavior Analysis or Educational Leadership/Administration. She hopes to be a lifelong learner and wants to inspire her future students to do the same.
Walter Maxwell Gibson College of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)
Cameron Poulson has been named the nominee for the College of STEM. Poulson’s hometown is Enoch, Utah. He chose SUU because his positive experiences with the University's concurrent enrollment program, SUCCESS Academy, gave him the desire to continue in the engineering program.
He is majoring in Mechanical Engineering and minoring in Computer-Aided Design (CAD)/Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM). After graduating, Poulson plans to pursue a master's degree in systems control or mechatronics.
College of Humanities and Social Science
Hannah Clove was named as the nominee for the College of Humanities and Social Science. Continuing a proud family tradition, as a Salt Lake City, Utah native, Clove chose SUU to follow in the footsteps of family members who attended the University before her.
Clove is a double major in Communication Media Studies and French. Driven by a passion for uncovering new perspectives, she aspires to a career as an investigative journalist, with a goal of eventually reporting on international conflicts in francophone countries.
College of Performing and Visual Arts
Bobbi Torgerson was selected as the College of Performing and Visual Arts finalist. Torgerson is majoring in dance with a minor in arts administration. Originally from Richfield, Utah, she was inspired to attend SUU after attending some of the University’s programs, including the High School Shakespeare Festival and the Theatre, Dance, and Arts Administration’s “Day of Dance.” The mentorship she witnessed at these events represented the kind of dance community Torgerson would be welcomed into after arriving at SUU, and she knew it was one she wanted to be a part of.
After graduation, she plans to move to Salt Lake City, Utah, and start pursuing a professional career there. She hopes to keep experimenting with creating dance in as many forms and mediums as possible while there.
Dixie L. Leavitt School of Business
Phoenix McCall has been selected as the Dixie L. Leavitt School of Business nominee. McCall grew up in Henderson, Nevada, and chose to come to SUU because of the beautiful campus, the welcoming environment, and the positive community.
McCall is a marketing major, and after graduating, she plans to continue her education by pursuing a master’s degree in business administration. Her end goal is to become a brand marketing specialist or open her own business.
College of Health Sciences
Marnae Axelson was named as the nominee for the College of Health Sciences. Axelson is from Cedar City, Utah and chose SUU because of the amazing community and outdoor activities. Axelson also enjoys the personalized class sizes and student leadership opportunities. She has appreciated the opportunity to have college experiences while simultaneously pursuing outdoor adventures in my free time.
Currently, Axelson is a Human Nutrition Pre-Dietetics major. She will be switching her major to Dietetics in Fall 2026, as she begins her journey in SUU's fourth cohort of the Master of Science/Didactic Program in Dietetics. After completing her master’s degree, Axelson plans to complete a Dietetic Internship and ultimately become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN). Her ultimate goal is to work as a clinical RDN with a speciality in cancer.
SUU’s Board of Trustees Scholarship
The Board of Trustees Scholarship remains one of the University’s highest honors, celebrating students who go beyond the classroom to make a meaningful impact. These six finalists embody the SUU spirit of ambition and excellence, representing the next generation of leaders, educators, and innovators. As they move forward in their respective fields, they carry with them the mentorship and hands-on experience that define the Southern Utah University experience, proving that at SUU, student success is the ultimate priority.
Contact Information
Brooke Heath
435-586-5400
brookeheath1@suu.edu