Investment Supports Mathematics Success and Future Career Opportunities

Three Alabama A&M University students are the inaugural recipients of the AAMU NextEra Energy Scholarship, a new initiative supporting mathematics achievement while strengthening connections between students and the energy industry.

NextEra Energy, a Florida-based energy company with operations in electric power and renewable energy, is supporting the initiative. Mauyon Wusu, Stephen Rodriguez and Ruvarashe Nyabanda were selected from a competitive pool of 30 applicants. Each student will receive a $1,000 scholarship.

The awards mark the first time NextEra Energy has provided funding specifically to support mathematics study success at AAMU. The company has existing ties to the University through AAMU students who have served as interns and employees, providing another connection between academic preparation and career opportunities.

Rodriguez, a senior mathematics major from Huntsville, Alabama, said receiving the scholarship was particularly meaningful because of the competitive selection process.

“Thirty students applied, so I’m very glad I was chosen,” Rodriguez said. 

For Rodriguez, the scholarship comes as he prepares for his next academic challenge. After graduating from AAMU, he hopes to pursue a doctorate and explore areas including graph theory, number theory or biomathematics.

Wusu, a senior electrical engineering major from Nigeria, also plans to continue her education after graduation by pursuing a graduate degree in electrical engineering.

“I’m very glad to get the scholarship,” Wusu said.

Nyabanda, a senior electrical engineering major from Zimbabwe, is weighing both professional and academic opportunities as graduation approaches.

Her goal after earning her AAMU degree is “to either have a full-time job or go to grad school,” Nyabanda said.

The scholarship was open to students across majors who had a GPA of at least 3.5 and had completed Calculus II. Recipients were also expected to contribute to mathematics tutoring activities, particularly as students prepare for midterm and final examinations.

Applications were reviewed by Linda McClellan, coordinator of the Tutorial Assistance Network; Dr. Ed Pearson, associate dean for student success in the College of Engineering, Technology and Physical Sciences; and Dr. Segun Oke, assistant professor of mathematics.

Dr. Yinshu Wu, associate professor of mathematics and mathematics program coordinator in AAMU’s Department of Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics, said NextEra Energy’s support provides more than financial assistance by connecting academic achievement with opportunities beyond the classroom.

“We greatly appreciate NextEra Energy’s investment in AAMU students,” Wu said. “This partnership helps us support strong students academically and connect them with meaningful career opportunities at a national leader in the energy industry.”

Wu hopes the inaugural scholarships will become the beginning of continued support for AAMU students.

“I hope we can get funding from the company again so we can do this every year,” Wu said. 
“Hopefully, we can do even more next year.”

For Wusu, Rodriguez and Nyabanda, the inaugural awards recognize what they have already accomplished in the classroom while helping them move closer to their goals beyond The Hill.

From left, AAMU students Mauyon Wusu, Ruvarashe Nyabanda and Stephen Rodriguez display certificates recognizing them as the inaugural recipients of the AAMU NextEra Energy Scholarship.