RADFORD – Radford University economics and finance major James Gearhart of Floyd, son of Jeffrey and Charlotte Gearhart, has been awarded the prestigious McGowan Scholarship by the RU College of Business and Economics (COBE).

The scholarship was made possible by the William G. McGowan Charitable Fund, which awarded COBE a scholarship grant covering up to one year’s tuition.

“It is certainly an honor to be recognized with this generous award,” said Gearhart. “William McGowan’s determination, innovative mindset and an unrelenting passion to do well for himself and others unquestionably led to his successful academic and professional career. I hope to embody these same characteristics and use them as drivers of success within my career.”

Outside of the classroom, Gearhart (right) is actively involved in a number of organizations. He serves as vice president of finance for the Student Managed Investment Portfolio Organization, a student organization that manages more than $300,000 of the RU Foundation endowment; chief of staff for the Student Government Association; vice president of finance for Delta Sigma Pi, the university’s professional business fraternity; a peer instructor for LEAD 110, a course designed to introduce students to the nature of leadership; an assistant for Quest, RU’s orientation program for new freshmen; and is a tutor in the university’s Learning Assistance and Resource Center.

As a Zylphia Shu-En Kirk Scholar, Gearhart studies Mandarin Chinese and will travel to China this summer where he will represent RU at universities in Beijing and Shanghai. He is also an elected member of Beta Gamma Sigma, an honorary business society; a member of RU’s Honors Academy; a LEAD Scholar; the recipient of the 2008-09 Elma Stanley Dowdy Business Scholarship; and is a recipient of the McGlothlin Study Abroad Award.

The William G. McGowan Scholars program encourages leadership, interpersonal skills and a significant involvement in campus and community activities. It also recognizes excellence of character, a spirit of innovation and entrepreneurial potential. Scholarships are awarded to selected accredited college and university business schools. William G. McGowan was the founder of MCI Communications Corporation.

This is the fifth year the McGowan Scholarship has been awarded to the RU College of Business and Economics. The first recipient was Steve Mignogna, a marketing major from Mount Laurel, N.J. The second recipient was Robert P. Barrett, an economics and German major from Roanoke. The third recipient was Natalie Wilson, a finance major from Bristol, Va. Last year’s recipient was Juliann Abercrombie, a management major from Ashburn, Va.