Dr. Wade Newman Establishes $1,000 Entrepreneur Award for Socially Conscious Students

The Dr. Wade Newman Award for Entrepreneurs represents a significant investment in the next generation of business leaders who prioritize social responsibility alongside commercial success. Established by Dr. Wade Newman, founder of Eagle Valley Family Dentistry and Lieutenant Colonel in the Air National Guard, this $1,000 prize reflects a growing recognition that entrepreneurship can serve as a powerful vehicle for positive community change.

Dr. Newman's own career exemplifies the entrepreneurial spirit this award seeks to celebrate. After earning his Doctorate of Dental Surgery from West Virginia University School of Dentistry in 2000, he built a thriving dental practice while simultaneously serving his country for over 20 years in the Air National Guard. His journey from police officer to dental professional to business owner demonstrates the resilience, adaptability, and vision required for entrepreneurial success.

The award extends Dr. Newman's philosophy of using one's skills and resources to uplift others, a principle he has demonstrated through countless volunteer hours with Mission of Mercy and Give Kids a Smile. This commitment to humanitarian service now translates into direct support for students who aspire to build businesses that serve their communities and create positive impact.

Open to all undergraduate students currently enrolled at accredited U.S. colleges or universities, the award requires applicants to maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 and be U.S. citizens or permanent residents. The application deadline is July 15, 2026, with the winner announced on August 15, 2026. Applicants must submit an original essay of 500-750 words responding to a prompt about integrating social responsibility and community impact into their entrepreneurial journey.

Evaluation criteria focus on demonstrated commitment to ethical entrepreneurship, clarity of vision, understanding of social responsibility in business, writing quality, and genuine passion for creating positive community impact. Students must submit their essay, academic transcripts, and proof of enrollment to the designated application email by the deadline. For more information about the award program and application requirements, visit https://drwadenewmanaward.com/.

This initiative comes at a time when young entrepreneurs increasingly seek to align business success with social purpose. The Dr. Wade Newman Award for Entrepreneurs provides not only financial support but also validation for students pursuing this dual mission. As Dr. Newman stated, "Throughout my career in dentistry, military service, and business ownership, I've learned that the most rewarding success comes from serving others. I'm honored to support a student who understands that entrepreneurship is not just about building a business—it's about building something that matters."

The award's emphasis on ethical entrepreneurship and community impact reflects broader trends in business education and practice, where social responsibility is increasingly recognized as integral to sustainable success. By supporting students who demonstrate this understanding, the award contributes to developing a new generation of business leaders equipped to address complex social challenges through innovative enterprise.