For many students from rural areas, attending college can be challenging due to issues such as limited access to technology, distance from universities, and financial barriers. Despite these obstacles, some students see their rural backgrounds as a source of strength and resilience.
Cydnee Massey, a creative writing student in the Department of English, and Wes Shaw, an agriculture communications student in the Davis College of Agricultural Sciences & Natural Resources at Texas Tech University, are among those who believe their upbringing gives them a unique perspective.
“Rural kids don’t always see their potential,” Massey said. “But I think we bring a fresh perspective to higher education. We’re taught to view hardship a little bit differently, and I think that’s one of our biggest strengths. We bring grit, and we know how to establish strong communities.”
Shaw added, “Living in a rural area and living an agricultural lifestyle puts us at an advantage. We’re leaders and advocates for rural education and communities.”
Shaw grew up in McLean, Texas, where his family has been ranching since the late 1880s. In addition to working on the family ranch, he has held leadership roles in organizations such as Texas 4-H and FFA and competed in academic contests.
“My mom has always pushed me to do my best academically and in leadership positions,” Shaw said. “She’s always told me I was a small-town kid with big city aspirations.”
Massey had a similar experience growing up in Portales, New Mexico. She participated in extracurricular activities like Family, Career and Community Leaders of America and Business Professionals of America while also focusing on academics.
“I’ve always viewed myself in an academic sense,” she said. “I’ve always valued my education, and I’ve always wanted to go to college.”
Both students applied to Texas Tech University. After being accepted, they learned about the Thoma Scholars Program—a scholarship established by Carl and Marilynn Thoma in 2023 for students who demonstrate academic achievement, leadership skills, motivation, and resilience. The program offers up to $80,000 per student over four years to cover tuition, fees, housing, dining costs, books, supplies, and study abroad opportunities.
“Texas Tech has been and always will be an advocate for rural communities and the students who come out of them,” said David Reyes, senior admissions counselor at Texas Tech University and Thoma Scholar recruiter. “Most universities in the metroplex couldn’t even point out Lubbock on a map, let alone the rural communities we serve. The Panhandle is under the radar.”
In addition to financial support, Thoma Scholars receive guidance from university staff on career planning, leadership development opportunities, academic support services, and counseling.
The selection process for the scholarship is competitive; only 46 out of 342 applicants were chosen for interviews. Alejandra Padgett, lead student success specialist for Thoma Scholars at the time of selection, said about Massey and Shaw: “We came to an easy consensus when selecting them. Wes had such a big personality that really shone through. Cydnee was more subtle in her confidence, but it was hard to miss her leadership.”
Reyes added: “They were both humble but clear in letting us know who they were and the impact they wanted to make. They weren’t telling us what we wanted to hear; it was clear they were embodiments of rural leadership.”
Both Massey’s and Shaw’s families celebrated when they received news of their scholarships—a moment that signified not just personal achievement but relief from financial pressure for their families.
“There’s a ripple effect in the Thoma family’s support that goes beyond the scholars,” said Lindsey Torres, current lead student success specialist for the program. “Carl and Marilyn are not just supporting the students with this scholarship; they’re supporting their families and communities too.”
The first cohort of 14 Thoma Scholars formed a student organization at Texas Tech University with Massey as president. Padgett described Massey’s approach as “a quiet leadership… She leads by example and figures out the best way to support her peers.” The organization participates in service projects supported by funding from the Thoma Foundation.
The scholars have also met with Carl and Marilynn Thoma several times during their first year at Texas Tech University as part of ongoing engagement with recipients.
Shaw noted his appreciation when Carl Thoma congratulated him on being elected to the student body senate: “I worked my tail off for that for four months… It was nice that my hard work not only paid off but was noticed by Mr. Thoma.”
The scholarship has helped Massey pursue her goal of becoming an ad litem lawyer after seeing relatives navigate foster care. For Shaw, it has reinforced his ambition to work in agricultural policy or advocacy.
“My background in debate has inspired me to get into ag politics either as a lawyer or lobbyist,” Shaw said. “Rural interests are shrinking every day. Only 2% of our population consists of farmers and ranchers. Someone needs to fight for that 2%, and I want to be that voice.”
The current cohort is helping develop a mentorship program for incoming scholars as part of efforts to strengthen connections within the group.
“We’ve been given this amazing opportunity, and now our job is to continue to further our education,” Massey said. “I hope that we continue to show others what people from rural communities are capable of and show the Thoma family how grateful we are for them by giving back in that way.”
Reflecting on their experiences so far as Thoma Scholars at Texas Tech University Innovation Hub shows how targeted support can help rural students succeed—and how those successes can influence entire communities.
“I think back to when we first moved to campus… how different our lives would have been had it not been for the Thoma family’s support,” Massey continued. “I hope we can emulate the Thomas’ mission…and prove that small town doesn’t equal small potential.”
