Stacey Armah, a graduate of the College of Informatics at Northern Kentucky University with a Bachelor of Science in Business Information Systems, has experienced a transformative college journey thanks to the support of the Mark and Marie Yeager Endowed Scholarship for the School of Computing and Analytics, which is a part of NKU’s scholarship initiative, EXCELerate. As a first-generation college student from Accra, Ghana, Stacey’s story highlights the vital role of donor-funded scholarships in empowering students to pursue their dreams.
After moving to the United States with her family in 2016, Stacey faced the daunting task of choosing the right university. For her, NKU stood out for its affordability and accessibility. Smaller class sizes allowed her to build meaningful relationships with professors and peers, and the proximity to home meant she could easily commute. “When it came down to picking the right school for me — that met my needs — NKU checked all the boxes,” she shares.
Stacey’s journey at NKU began in the fall of 2020 during the challenging times of the pandemic. “When I first came to campus, a weekday looked as empty as a weekend on campus does today,” she recalls.
However, as campus life resumed, Stacey seized the opportunity to immerse herself in the community. “This is my chance,” she thought, joining numerous organizations and spending more time on campus, where she discovered her favorite spot, Einstein Bros. Bagels.
Reflecting on her growth, Stacey notes, “NKU has shifted how I see myself. I went from being this introverted person to a person who is willing to stand out and speak up.” Her involvement in the Norse Leadership Society, Activities Programming Board, and volunteering at FUEL NKU, among other activities, played a crucial role in her transformation. As a Victor Guide and team leader for the Haile College of Business Oakley and Eva Farris Leadership Academy, Stacey honed her leadership skills and made lasting contributions to the community.
Choosing business information systems (BIS) as her major was a journey in itself. Initially undecided, Stacey explored various IT and computer science majors before finding her passion in BIS. “My advisor told me how a career in BIS would allow me to engage in technology, business, and communications, and I found that I really enjoyed studying this major,” she explains.
Scholarships have been instrumental in Stacey’s educational journey. As a first-generation student, donor support, such as the Mark and Marie Yeager Endowed Scholarship, allowed her to focus on her studies and campus involvement. “Scholarships, out-of-pocket payments, and saved income from summer jobs are how we paid for my first two years of college when facing issues with my FAFSA,” Stacey says. “It gave me some freedom to get involved in on-campus student life.”
Stacey further emphasizes the impact of donor-funded scholarships. “Scholarships for college students are a lifesaver,” she says. “If you’re thinking of giving, don’t hesitate. You’re blessing someone, and you’re going to be a hero in their life.”
All of this support helped Stacey become the first in her family to earn an undergraduate degree, even inspiring her parents to return to school to finish their degrees. Stacey Armah’s journey at NKU is a shining example of how scholarships can transform lives, enabling students to achieve their dreams and make a meaningful impact on their communities.
