The Dr. Wade Newman Award for Entrepreneurs represents a significant investment in the next generation of business leaders who prioritize social responsibility alongside commercial 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 serve broader community needs beyond profit generation. The award's creation comes at a time when business education increasingly emphasizes ethical practices and sustainable development, making this initiative particularly relevant for students seeking to align their career ambitions with positive social impact.
Dr. Newman's own 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. 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 award criteria emphasize social responsibility as a core component of entrepreneurial success. 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. This focus on ethical business practices reflects Dr. Newman's own humanitarian service, demonstrated through countless volunteer hours with Mission of Mercy and Give Kids a Smile, which reflects his belief in using one's skills and resources to uplift others.
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. Students should submit their essay, academic transcripts, and proof of enrollment to the designated application email by the deadline. For more information about the award program and application requirements, visit https://drwadenewmanaward.com/.
This initiative matters because it represents a shift in how society views entrepreneurship education and support. By specifically rewarding students who demonstrate commitment to community impact, the award encourages a new generation of business leaders to consider social responsibility as integral to their business models rather than as an afterthought. The timing of this award is particularly significant as business schools nationwide increasingly incorporate social entrepreneurship into their curricula, and employers increasingly value candidates with demonstrated commitment to ethical business practices. Dr. Newman's military and professional background lends credibility to this initiative, demonstrating that successful entrepreneurship can coexist with service to community and country.
