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 reflects a growing recognition that entrepreneurship must balance profit with purpose. The award specifically targets undergraduate students currently enrolled at accredited U.S. colleges and universities who are pursuing entrepreneurship as a career path, requiring applicants to maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 and be U.S. citizens or permanent residents.
Dr. Newman's own career exemplifies the entrepreneurial spirit this award seeks to cultivate. 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 twenty years in the Air National Guard. His journey from police officer to dental professional to business owner demonstrates the resilience, adaptability, and vision required for entrepreneurial success. Throughout his career, Dr. 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.
The application process requires students to 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 must submit their essay, academic transcripts, and proof of enrollment to the designated application email by the July 15, 2026 deadline, with the winner announced on August 15, 2026. For more information about the award program and application requirements, visit https://drwadenewmanaward.com/.
Dr. Newman's commitment to humanitarian service, demonstrated through countless volunteer hours with Mission of Mercy and Give Kids a Smile, reflects his belief in using one's skills and resources to uplift others. The Dr. Wade Newman Award for Entrepreneurs extends this philosophy by investing in students who aspire to build businesses that serve their communities and create positive impact. This award matters because it represents a shift in how society views entrepreneurship—not merely as a path to personal wealth, but as a vehicle for social change and community betterment. By requiring applicants to articulate how they will integrate social responsibility into their business models, the award encourages a new generation of entrepreneurs to consider their broader impact from the outset of their careers.
The establishment of this award comes at a critical time when young entrepreneurs face increasing pressure to demonstrate both business acumen and social consciousness. 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 and provides tangible support for students who envision entrepreneurship as a means to address social challenges while creating sustainable enterprises.
