Centenary College Student Earns Prestigious Goldwater Scholarship

SHREVEPORT, La. (Centenary News Service)—A Centenary College student has been awarded the Goldwater Scholarship, the premier undergraduate award of its type in the fields of science, mathematics and engineering.

Dallas James Krentzel, biology major from Bossier City, La., was one of 278 students from across the country and one of three students in Louisiana to receive the award for the 2010-2011 academic year. The one and two-year scholarships will cover the cost of tuition, fees, books, and room and board up to a maximum of $7,500 per year.

Dallas Krentzel

"I am delighted that Dallas has received a Barry M. Goldwater Award," said Dr. Cynthia Brame, Associate Professor and Chair of Biology. "He is a remarkably intelligent, thoughtful, energetic young man who is interested in a broad range of scientific fields—exactly the type of student for whom the Goldwater scholarship is designed. The Goldwater scholarship is one of the most prestigious awards for undergraduates planning to pursue further studies in science and math, so I am particularly proud that a Centenary biology major is a recipient."

The Goldwater Scholars were selected on the basis of academic merit from a field of 1,111 mathematics, science and engineering students nominated by faculty members from colleges and universities nationwide. One hundred fifty-six of the Scholars are men, 122 are women, and virtually all intend to obtain a Ph.D. as their degree objective. Krentzel plans on obtaining his Ph.D. in Evolutionary Biology, conduct research in evolutionary, functional, and developmental biology, and ultimately teach at the university level.

"This is a great honor to receive this scholarship," said Krentzel. "The scholarship helps undergraduate students get involved in the sciences and pursue their interests. I am grateful there is such an award that understands the importance of the sciences and that helps fund education."

Krentzel is a sophomore at Centenary College and a graduate of Airline High School in Bossier City. His parent's are Todd Krentzel and Theresa Glavin of Bossier City.

Krentzel is the seventh recipient of the Goldwater Scholarship awarded to a Centenary College student since 1991.The last Goldwater recipient was Jessica Pullen (Adams)'07 who received the award in 2005 and is now a third-year medical student at LSU Medical School in Shreveport.

About Centenary College of Louisiana

Centenary College is a private, four-year arts and sciences college affiliated with the United Methodist Church. Founded in 1825, it is the oldest chartered liberal arts college west of the Mississippi River and is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. Centenary is one of 16 colleges and universities constituting the Associated Colleges of the South and has been recognized as "One of the Best 371 Colleges" by the Princeton Review and one of "America's Best Colleges" and one of "America's Best Private Colleges" by Forbes.com. In 2008 Centenary College celebrated 100 years in Shreveport and Bossier City.