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Students and a recent alumna from the University of North Georgia's (sa¹ú¼Ê´«Ã½¹ÙÍøÍøÒ³Èë¿Ú) Lewis F. Rogers Institute for Environmental and Spatial Analysis (IESA) earned more than half of the (SAMSEF) scholarships awarded for 2025-26 in Georgia.

The scholarship winners included:

Ben W. Fortson Scholarship, $3,500

• Adriana Colon-Martinez

Regional, $3,000

• Lewis Bailey IV
• Ethan Scarborough
• Daniel Shoch

SAMSEF Technical Scholarships – $750

• Daniel Stepanskiy    
• Jesse McCauley 

Bailey, a junior from Savannah, Georgia, pursuing a degree in environmental spatial analysis, works a full-time job as a senior geospatial data technician.

"This scholarship is a huge burden lifted off my shoulders," Bailey said.

He is grateful for the immediate value of his coursework at sa¹ú¼Ê´«Ã½¹ÙÍøÍøÒ³Èë¿Ú.

"I am able to apply my skills in my professional life as I learn them. Unlike many students, I currently work in a similar field that lets me apply what I learn as I progress through the program," Bailey said.

Scarborough, a senior from Buford, Georgia, who is also pursuing a degree in environmental spatial analysis, works at the same company as Bailey. After previously being a linguist, Scarborough came to sa¹ú¼Ê´«Ã½¹ÙÍøÍøÒ³Èë¿Ú with the hope of earning a degree so he can procure his surveying license. The scholarship is a difference-maker.

"It takes a lot of pressure off me and my family being able to afford to come back to school and work full time," Scarborough said.

Bailey said the students, faculty and staff in IESA make everything more pleasant.

"Throughout my journey at sa¹ú¼Ê´«Ã½¹ÙÍøÍøÒ³Èë¿Ú I have had a lot of the same people in the same classes, which makes it easier as you take classes," Bailey said. "You end up building a network and support to make sure everyone succeeds."