EMU Today

YPSILANTI — Eastern Michigan University is elated to announce Ethan Villa, a resident of Sylvania, Ohio, has been named a Presidential Scholar for 2024. Villa is one of only 21 exemplary students selected for this honor, awarded to top-performing first-year students who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership, and a strong commitment to their communities.

“The scholarship is a tremendous award to receive,” said Villa. “It feels like something that I earned, as opposed to other scholarships I could have pursued because of my disability. I’m honored to represent the class of 2028.”

The EMU Presidential Scholarship is the most prestigious award, valued at up to $100K. The scholarship covers full tuition, fees, and four-year room and board. Presidential Scholars are active and engaged members of The Honors College at EMU, complementing their academic experience with further opportunities for critical thinking, community engagement, and leadership. The scholarship opportunity is aligned with EMU’s commitment to helping students achieve their educational goals while positively impacting the world.

Villa graduated from Sylvania Southview High School and plans to pursue a degree in physics research. In high school, Villa was a member of the National Honor Society, the Science Olympiad, and their school choir. Villa frequently volunteered their time at local churches and Sunshine Assisted Living. After graduation, Villa hopes to pursue a graduate degree, followed by a doctorate in nuclear physics to further research clean energy. 

“We are excited to have such an impressive group of scholars join us at EMU this fall,” said Ann Eisenberg, dean of the Honors College. “They come from different backgrounds, cultures, and countries, but they all share a passion for learning, service, and leadership. They are an impressive bunch as well, with a mean SAT score of 1320 and an average high school GPA of 4.02.”

Villa hopes to cement himself in EMU’s community. “I’m excited to get involved in research, and student organizations, and cultivate the hard-of-hearing community on campus.”

Qualified students can apply for the Presidential Scholarship during their senior year of high school. For more information about the Presidential Scholarship, visit the webpage. 

About Eastern Michigan University
Founded in 1849, EMU is the second oldest public university in Michigan. It currently serves nearly 13,000 students pursuing undergraduate, graduate, specialist, doctoral and certificate degrees in the arts, sciences and professions. In all, more than 300 majors, minors and concentrations are delivered through the University's Colleges of Arts and Sciences; Business; Education; Engineering and Technology; Health and Human Services; and its graduate school. National publications regularly recognize EMU for its excellence, diversity, and commitment to applied education. Visit the University’s rankings and points of pride websites to learn more. For more information about Eastern Michigan University, visit the University's website. To stay up to date on University news, activities and announcements, visit EMU Today.