The University of Montana Western Foundation is proud to announce the establishment of the Cheeki Skrub Scholarship by Isaiah Powell, Class of 2026.
Created to support students who may benefit from additional financial assistance, the scholarship reflects Isaiah’s desire to help ease the financial challenges that many students face while pursuing their education. Named after his longtime nickname, "Cheeki Skrub," the scholarship reflects his desire to give back to the Montana Western community that helped shape his success.
Isaiah currently serves as the Area Coordinator for Bulldog Life at Montana Western and has been deeply involved in campus life throughout his time at the University. As a student, he participated in the Education Club, assisted with the Homework Help Program, was active in the Drama Club and the Improv Troupe, competed on the Cross-Country and Track teams, served as a Resident Assistant, and participated in intramural volleyball.
“The main thing that inspired me to establish the scholarship was the fact that I was fortunate enough to experience college without significant financial burdens, and I found myself in a position where I could help eliminate a little bit of that burden for other students,” said Isaiah. “I don’t really have a specific hope for students who receive the scholarship; I just want it to benefit them in some way.”
"It is inspiring to see a recent graduate choose to invest in future generations of Montana Western students," said Roxanne Engellant, Executive Director of the University of Montana Western Foundation. "Isaiah has been deeply involved in campus life and understands how meaningful support and community can be to a student's success. His generosity reflects the spirit of Montana Western, and we are grateful for the impact this scholarship will have on students for years to come."
The Cheeki Skrub Scholarship awarded its first scholarship for the 2026–2027 academic year and will provide a $1,000 annual award. The inaugural recipient is Tyler Raine, a senior majoring in Physical Education K-12 with a minor in History. Tyler is a member of the Bulldog Track team and is actively involved in campus clubs and extracurricular activities.
To be eligible, students must be enrolled full-time, maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5, and demonstrate active engagement within the Montana Western community. Preference is given to students majoring in Mathematics, Education, or Visual Arts, as well as students involved in Cross Country, Track and Field, Residence Life, and those who reside on campus.
Reflecting on his decision to establish the scholarship, Powell emphasized the role community played in his own success. "I can credit my success as a student to most of the people I surrounded myself with," said Powell. "Whether this scholarship has a major impact or a minor one, I just want it to be helpful."
For more information about scholarship opportunities at Montana Western, please contact Roxanne Engellant at (406) 683-7205, roxanne.engellant@umwestern.edu or Stacie Watkins at (406) 683-7296, stacie.watkins@umwestern.edu.
