2023 Tillman Scholar

Tyler Adams

Army
University of Virginia
J.D.

“I swore an oath to defend the Constitution, and as a lawyer I will fight to protect the rights of everyday Americans through advocacy and public service.”

At the beginning of his law enforcement career, Tyler Adams felt a higher calling to military service, inspired by the legacy of many family members before him. In 2016, Tyler completed his masters degree and commissioned as a Medical Service Corps officer in the U.S. Army. 

During the next five years, Tyler had the opportunity to lead dynamic, diverse medical teams throughout the Middle East and United States. The most rewarding experience of Tyler’s military career was his deployment to Afghanistan as a member of a forward surgical team, whose mission was to serve as an expeditionary medical asset first to receive casualties from the battlefield. Serving alongside his eight teammates, Tyler realized the limitless power of selfless leaders and dedicated professionals to save and change lives. 

As a rising third-year law student at the University of Virginia, Tyler continues to embody the principle of selfless service built upon the foundation of his military experience. He is actively engaged in a number of pro bono projects of particular personal significance and remains committed to the veteran community, providing legal assistance with disability claims and appeals. He also aids former Afghan partners gain humanitarian parole to rescue their families from the oppression of the Taliban. Tyler chose to pursue a law degree when he realized its universal applicability and potential to affect positive change. His legal studies are concentrated in the area of constitutional and election law, and he hopes to return to Arkansas and serve in public office.