2020 Tillman Scholar

Shannon Ewing-Sudds

Army
University of Louisville
M.A.

“I’m a first-generation, low-income student who struggled to navigate college. As a future diversity officer, I want to be a voice for those that have not found theirs yet.”

In June 1999, Shannon shocked her entire family by announcing that she was joining the U.S. Army. Two months later, she was on her way to basic combat training at Fort Jackson, South Carolina with aspirations of becoming the first female military member in her family. She continued on to advanced individual training at Fort Jackson, South Carolina, where she became qualified as an information technology specialist. Shannon has served more than 20 years in Army and is currently serving at her ninth assignment as the sexual assault response coordinator for the Army’s Sexual Harassment & Assault Reporting & Prevention (SHARP) Program for 1st Brigade, United States Army Cadet Command.

Eager to make the SHARP program a resource for victims of sexual harassment and assault a process that people can trust, Shannon hosts events every year at Fort Knox, Kentucky. These events help publicize what resources and services are available in their local communities.

In her current role, Shannon interacts with college cadets and talks to them about their educational struggles. This outreach has made her eager to learn more about different cultures and communities, and is why Shannon is pursuing a Doctorate’s degree in Higher Education.