Pat Tillman Foundation Announces Its 2021 Tillman Scholars

Chicago, IL (June 29, 2021) – Today, the Pat Tillman Foundation (PTF) announced the names of the 60 U.S. service members, veterans and military spouses chosen as 2021 Tillman Scholars. In recognition of their service and leadership potential, the newly selected class will receive scholarship funding to pursue higher education and continue their service in the fields of healthcare, business, law, public service, STEM, education and the humanities. For the full list of 2021 Tillman Scholars, along with their service branches, institutions and fields of study, please visit http://scholars.ptf.org. 

“Our newest Tillman Scholars join a community committed to leadership through action. Coming out of an unprecedented year, we are excited to welcome these 60 people who have exhibited that leadership throughout their military service,” said Dan Futrell, CEO of the Pat Tillman Foundation, and 2011 Tillman Scholar. “We look to the Tillman Scholar community to make a future impact greater than the exceptional service they’ve offered so far, and we’re honored to welcome them and support their leadership development.”

“Every year I’m inspired by the stories and experiences of the students who make up the newest class of Tillman Scholars,” said Marie Tillman, Board Chair and Co-Founder of PTF. “This year, we are honored to support them as they make an impact in human rights, public policy, healthcare, tech, and so much more. Most of all, these remarkable people exemplify the values and leadership that Pat lived by.”

To date, PTF has invested more than $20 million in scholar support and named nearly 700 Tillman Scholars at more than 100 academic institutions nationwide. 

The Tillman Scholars Program

Founded in 2008, the Tillman Scholars program supports our nation’s active duty service members, veterans and military spouses by investing in education and professional development. PTF provides academic scholarships, a national network and professional development opportunities, so Tillman Scholars are empowered to make an impact at home and around the world. 

University Partners

Each year, PTF proudly collaborates with 18 University Partners to identify and select qualified candidates on their campuses for the Tillman Scholar screening process. These University Partners offer innovative, veteran-specific services and a strong culture of support for military veterans and spouses while providing rigorous academic experiences. University Partners include Arizona State University; Columbia University; Florida A&M University; Georgetown University; The George Washington University; Howard University; Indiana University; Jackson State University; Texas A&M University; Texas State University; Syracuse University; University of Arizona; University of California, Los Angeles; University of Maryland; University of Minnesota; University of Missouri System; University of Oklahoma and University of South Florida.

If you are a member of the media who wishes to arrange an interview with Pat Tillman Foundation Board Chair and Co-Founder, Marie Tillman, Chief Executive Officer, Dan Futrell, or a 2021 Tillman Scholar, please contact Erica Abdnour at (480) 329-0419, [email protected]. 

About the Pat Tillman Foundation

In 2002, Pat Tillman proudly put his NFL career with the Arizona Cardinals on hold to serve his country. Family and friends established the Pat Tillman Foundation following Pat’s death in April 2004 while serving with the 75th Ranger Regiment in Afghanistan. The Pat Tillman Foundation unites and empowers remarkable military veterans and spouses as the next generation of public and private sector leaders committed to service beyond self. The fellowship program supports Tillman Scholars with academic scholarships, a national network, and professional development opportunities, so they are empowered to make an impact in the world. For more information on the Pat Tillman Foundation and the impact of the Tillman Scholars, visit PatTillmanFoundation.org.