The Dr. Wade Newman Award for Entrepreneurs represents a significant investment in the next generation of business leaders who prioritize community service alongside commercial success. Established by Dr. Wade Newman, founder of Eagle Valley Family Dentistry and Lieutenant Colonel in the Air National Guard, this $1,000 prize reflects a growing recognition that entrepreneurship must balance profit with purpose. The award specifically targets undergraduate students who demonstrate how business innovation can create meaningful social change, aligning with Dr. Newman's own career trajectory that combines professional excellence with humanitarian commitment.
Dr. Newman's professional journey exemplifies the entrepreneurial spirit this award seeks to cultivate. After earning his Doctorate of Dental Surgery from West Virginia University School of Dentistry in 2000, he built a thriving dental practice while simultaneously serving for over 20 years in the Air National Guard. His transition from police officer to dental professional to business owner demonstrates the adaptability and vision required for entrepreneurial success. Throughout his career, Dr. Newman has balanced multiple roles with distinction, including serving as President of the Pennsylvania Dental Association and completing critical military missions in challenging environments such as Bani Bangou, Africa.
The award criteria emphasize social responsibility as a core component of entrepreneurial success. Applicants must submit an original essay of 500-750 words responding to a prompt about integrating social responsibility and community impact into their entrepreneurial journey. Essays will be evaluated based on demonstrated commitment to ethical entrepreneurship, clarity of vision, understanding of social responsibility in business, writing quality, and genuine passion for creating positive community impact. This focus reflects Dr. Newman's own humanitarian service through countless volunteer hours with organizations like Mission of Mercy and Give Kids a Smile.
Eligibility requirements ensure the award reaches committed students with demonstrated academic achievement. The award is open to all undergraduate students currently enrolled at an accredited U.S. college or university who are pursuing entrepreneurship as a career. Applicants must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale and be U.S. citizens or permanent residents. The application deadline is July 15, 2026, with the winner announced on August 15, 2026. Students must submit their essay, academic transcripts, and proof of enrollment to the designated application email by the deadline.
This initiative matters because it addresses a critical gap in entrepreneurial education by emphasizing that business success and community service are not mutually exclusive. As Dr. Newman stated, "Throughout my career in dentistry, military service, and business ownership, I've learned that the most rewarding success comes from serving others." The award program encourages students to develop business models that create both economic value and social good. For more information about the award program and application requirements, visit https://drwadenewmanaward.com/.
The Dr. Wade Newman Award for Entrepreneurs represents more than just financial support; it establishes a framework for evaluating entrepreneurial success that includes community impact alongside traditional business metrics. By requiring applicants to articulate how their ventures will serve others, the award reinforces the idea that entrepreneurship can be a powerful vehicle for social change. This approach could influence how entrepreneurship is taught and practiced, encouraging future business leaders to consider their broader responsibilities to society from the earliest stages of venture development.
