KENNESAW, Ga. | Apr 16, 2026

Three KSU students have been awarded monetary scholarships for their exemplary leadership skills.

Three Kennesaw State students have been recognized with scholarships from the Department of Student Leadership for their commitment to service, mentorship, and campus impact.

Established in 2006, the Betty Siegel Outstanding Leader Scholarship and the R. Stevens Tumlin Rising Leader Scholarship honor students who exemplify strong leadership skills while empowering them to continue making a lasting difference at KSU and beyond.

Shifa Jiwani and Deja Brantley, both members of the Kennesaw Excellence Society, were selected as recipients of the Siegel Student Leader Award. The award recognizes students who demonstrate a sustained commitment to living a leadership lifestyle through service, collaboration, and community engagement.

Riley Womack was named the recipient of the Tumlin Rising Leader Award, which recognizes emerging student leaders who show dedication to personal growth and leadership development.

“The Department of Student Leadership has worked with many outstanding students this year,” said Judy Craven, director of leadership development. “We had many outstanding candidates for our scholarship this year, but three students stood out as exemplary leaders.”

Craven noted that Brantley and Jiwani were selected for their “demonstration of critical thinking, active community involvement, productive collaboration, and a commitment to service that has positively impacted the KSU community.” She added that Womack was recognized for his “commitment to self-discovery, personal responsibility, collaboration with others, and his commitment to KSU and the greater community.” 

The recipients said the awards reflect both their individual growth and the support systems that shaped their leadership journeys.

“Receiving the Tumlin Rising Leader Award is truly an honor, and I know I wouldn’t have received it without Kennesaw State’s strong commitment to getting young undergraduates involved and supported early on,” Womack said. “I’m grateful to be part of a community that invests so much in developing student leaders and creating opportunities to grow.”

Jiwani echoed that sentiment, emphasizing the role of mentorship and campus resources in her experience.

“This award is a reflection of the people who believed in me when I arrived as an international student with no leadership experience, just immense curiosity,” Jiwani said. “They supported me in my growth – and in doing so, showed me that I was limitless.”

The Department of Student Leadership continues to produce programming and workshop opportunities to guide students in their leadership journeys. For more information of Student Leadership and upcoming events, head over to their OwlLife page.