Ashlyn Pendroza, ’23, has created a new annual scholarship to support a TWU student as they complete their education. 

The Williams Yellow Brick Road Annual Scholarship is named in honor of her mentor and Crowley Independent School District teacher B.J. Williams, who saw potential in all her students regardless of any challenges they may have experienced. She found her life’s joy in her students’ successes, and Pendroza cites Williams’ dedication to this lifetime guidance in making her educational and life trajectory possible.

This scholarship is intended for a Crowley ISD student who is eager to attend TWU but otherwise would not have the means to do so. Along with scholarship funds, the awarded student will receive individualized mentorship.

Pendroza graduated in spring 2023 with a bachelor’s degree in Social Work and a minor in Criminal Justice. With two children before completing high school, Pendroza identifies as a non-traditional student who worked through financial instabilities while pursuing her education. Despite her circumstances, she worked to obtain her high school diploma, associate degree, and then her bachelor’s degree. She was involved in multiple organizations while attending TWU, including Phi Alpha Honor Society, Alpha Sigma Lambda Honor Society, the Child Abuse Prevention Society (CAPS) and the Student Association for Social Work.

Pendroza has been accepted into the master’s program at the University of Texas at Arlington School of Social Work and will begin this fall.

With the establishment of this annual scholarship, Pendroza leaves a legacy of hope to future Pioneers as they complete their TWU education.