A Return on Investment: How scholarships empower leaders like Riley Neal

Riley Neal did not come to Fairmont State University to blend into the background. From the moment she arrived, she began building a collegiate experience defined by academic rigor, leadership, and service – made possible through scholarship support that freed her to fully engage in campus life.
​
A triple major in National Security and Intelligence, Criminal Justice, and Political Science, Riley exemplifies the kind of interdisciplinary, high-impact student Fairmont State is positioned to cultivate. Her academic path is demanding but intentional. She chose Fairmont State specifically for its National Security and Intelligence program, which is unique to Fairmont State and emphasizes applied learning taught by faculty with real-world experience.

Riley points to professors such as Dr. Todd Clark, a former Defense Intelligence Agency professional, whose career in federal intelligence provides students with firsthand insight into national security work beyond textbooks and theory. In small classes, Riley and her peers are not anonymous; they are mentored and challenged as individuals. These close relationships have proven invaluable as she prepares for graduation and her next step toward law school.

One of the defining experiences of Riley’s time at Fairmont State has been her involvement in Model United Nations, an organization that brings global policy and diplomacy into sharp focus. Each year, the team travels to New York City to compete at the National Model United Nations Conference, representing a designated country and engaging with students from around the world.

In these competitions, Riley has represented nations such as Bahrain and Guatemala, spending months researching political systems, foreign policy, and international priorities. Her work has included position papers and committee assignments focused on international crime and cooperation, allowing her to merge her interests in criminal justice and global security. At the conference, students engage in rigorous debate, public speaking, and coalition building alongside peers from across the globe.

The experience is transformative. Model UN builds confidence, sharpens communication skills, and exposes students to perspectives far beyond their own classrooms. It is also a clear example of how donor-supported programs extend the boundaries of Fairmont State’s campus, preparing students for leadership in an interconnected world.

Riley’s leadership extends well beyond Model UN. She has been deeply involved in Student Government, serving on the executive board and acting as a student representative to the Fairmont State Board of Governors. In this role, she worked directly with university leadership, faculty, and staff, gaining experience in governance, policy, and advocacy that few undergraduates encounter.

She is also an active member of the National Security and Intelligence Student Association (NSISA), which brings career-focused opportunities directly to campus. Through this organization, Riley has helped host representatives from the CIA, FBI, and other federal agencies, as well as elected officials and policy leaders. These events provide students with access to professional pathways that might otherwise feel distant or inaccessible.

Riley is candid about the role scholarships have played in her success. With her tuition covered, she can focus on academics, leadership, and service rather than financial stress. That support has also allowed her to work on campus as an admissions ambassador, guiding prospective students and their families through the same college decisions she once faced.

For donors, Riley’s story illustrates the direct and lasting impact of philanthropic support. Scholarships do more than reduce tuition costs. They create leaders. They open doors to global experiences. They empower students to serve their communities and prepare for careers that shape public life.

Riley Neal is not just a student success story – she is a return on investment that continues to grow.