The Dr. Wade Newman Award for Entrepreneurs represents a significant investment in the next generation of business leaders who prioritize ethical practices and community service alongside financial success. Established by Dr. Wade Newman, founder of Eagle Valley Family Dentistry and Lieutenant Colonel in the Air National Guard, this $1,000 prize specifically targets undergraduate students pursuing entrepreneurship as a career path. The award reflects Dr. Newman's personal journey from police officer to dental professional to business owner, demonstrating the resilience and adaptability required for entrepreneurial achievement.
Dr. Newman's career exemplifies the entrepreneurial spirit this award seeks to celebrate. 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 his country for over 20 years in the Air National Guard. Throughout his career, Dr. Wade Newman has balanced multiple roles with distinction—providing compassionate dental care to his community, serving in leadership positions including President of the Pennsylvania Dental Association, and completing critical military missions in challenging environments such as Bani Bangou, Africa. In 2018, he founded Eagle Valley Family Dentistry in Milesburg, Pennsylvania, creating a practice built on his core values of integrity, service, and excellence.
The award extends Dr. Newman's philosophy of using one's skills and resources to uplift others, demonstrated through his countless volunteer hours with Mission of Mercy and Give Kids a Smile. This initiative directly supports students who aspire to build businesses that serve their communities and create positive impact. 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.
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. Students should submit their essay, academic transcripts, and proof of enrollment to the designated application email by the July 15, 2026 deadline. For more information about the award program and application requirements, visit https://drwadenewmanaward.com/.
This award matters because it represents a growing recognition that successful entrepreneurship must balance profit with purpose. In an era where consumers increasingly support businesses with strong social values, Dr. Newman's initiative encourages students to consider community impact from the earliest stages of their business planning. The emphasis on ethical entrepreneurship and social responsibility addresses a critical need in business education, where technical skills often receive more attention than ethical frameworks. By requiring applicants to articulate how they will integrate community service into their business models, the award promotes a more holistic approach to entrepreneurship that benefits both business owners and the communities they serve.
The timing of this award is particularly significant as younger generations increasingly seek careers that align with their values and contribute to social good. Dr. Newman's personal story of balancing military service, dental practice, and business ownership provides a powerful example of how diverse experiences can inform ethical business leadership. The award's focus on undergraduate students recognizes that early support can shape career trajectories and business philosophies at a formative stage. 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. I'm honored to support a student who understands that entrepreneurship is not just about building a business—it's about building something that matters." This perspective challenges traditional business education models and encourages a new generation to redefine entrepreneurial success.
