Dr. Wade Newman Establishes Entrepreneur Award to Support Undergraduate 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 specifically targets undergraduate students pursuing entrepreneurship as a career. The award embodies Dr. Newman's lifelong commitment to service, leadership, and empowering young innovators to create meaningful change through business ventures.

Dr. Newman's own career trajectory demonstrates the entrepreneurial spirit this award seeks to celebrate. After earning his Doctorate of Dental Surgery from West Virginia University School of Dentistry in 2000, Dr. Newman 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 exemplifies the resilience, adaptability, and vision required for entrepreneurial success. Throughout his career, Dr. Wade Newman has balanced multiple roles with distinction—providing compassionate dental care to his community, serving in leadership positions including President of the Pennsylvania Dental Association, and completing critical military missions in challenging environments such as Bani Bangou, Africa.

In 2018, he founded Eagle Valley Family Dentistry in Milesburg, Pennsylvania, creating a practice built on his core values of integrity, service, and excellence. Dr. Wade Newman's commitment to humanitarian service, demonstrated through countless volunteer hours with Mission of Mercy and Give Kids a Smile, reflects his belief in using one's skills and resources to uplift others. The Dr. Wade Newman Award for Entrepreneurs extends this philosophy by investing in students who aspire to build businesses that serve their communities and create positive impact.

The award carries specific eligibility requirements and application procedures that emphasize both academic achievement and ethical entrepreneurship. The award is open to all undergraduate students currently enrolled at an accredited U.S. college or university who are pursuing entrepreneurship as a career. Applicants must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale 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.

Essays will be evaluated based 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 should submit their essay, academic transcripts, and proof of enrollment to the designated application email by the July 15, 2026 deadline. For more information about the award program and application requirements, visit https://drwadenewmanaward.com/.

This initiative matters because it represents a growing recognition that entrepreneurship education must extend beyond traditional business skills to include ethical considerations and community impact. By requiring applicants to articulate how they will integrate social responsibility into their business models, the award encourages students to think critically about the broader implications of their entrepreneurial ambitions. Dr. Newman's statement captures this philosophy perfectly: "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 focus on undergraduate students is particularly significant, as it provides support at a critical stage when many aspiring entrepreneurs are developing their foundational business concepts and ethical frameworks.