TWU ROTC students earn prestigious scholarship

Feb. 26, 2026 — DENTON — For the first time in university history, the ROTC program at Texas Woman’s University celebrates not just one, but two recipients of the competitive Texas Armed Services Scholarship Program (TASSP), Rage Guest and Christine Culpepper. The scholarship supports outstanding students pursuing their degrees while preparing to serve as commissioned officers in the U.S. military.

Though they are at different stages in their academic and military journeys, both cadets share a deep sense of dedication, pride and commitment to service—qualities recognized by the state leaders who select TASSP recipients each year.

Rage Guest, a junior biology pre-medicine major, learned last fall that he had become the first Pioneer to receive the TASSP scholarship. Nominated by State Representative Jared Patterson, Guest has earned numerous honors during his time at TWU, including the prestigious Campus Leader with a Heart award. He received the recognition at last year’s Redbud Awards ceremony for stepping up to support a fellow ROTC cadet during a difficult time.

For Guest, the TASSP scholarship represents more than financial support.

“Before I was only supported by my family and a few friends. Now I am supported by the community because they see potential in me as a person who is serving in the military.”

Guest, who plans to take the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) soon and hopes to serve in the Army Medical Corps, carries himself with humility and quiet resolve. In fact, in his scholarship cover letter, he suggested that another student might be more deserving since, as a member of a military family, he qualified for Hazlewood benefits. The gesture reflects his character, integrity and instinct to serve.

Christine Culpepper, a senior child development major, received word this spring that she had been selected by State Representative Angie Chen Button for TASSP.

Unlike Guest, who joined ROTC immediately upon enrolling at TWU, Culpepper’s path unfolded more gradually. She spent her first year exploring her options before discovering her calling in ROTC. Since then, she says, the experience has reshaped her understanding of discipline and responsibility.

“I only thought I knew what discipline was until ROTC,” she said, “and the requirements needed to maintain this scholarship keep me focused on my academics.”

Culpepper hopes to serve in Army logistics, a field she views as both strategic and practical. She believes the leadership and operational skills she gains will ultimately support her long-term goal of owning and operating a daycare center.

Balancing full academic schedules with the demands of ROTC keeps both cadets busy, but they credit Monica Mendez-Grant, Ed.D., vice president for Student Life, for encouraging them to apply for the TASSP scholarship in the first place. Neither had heard of the opportunity before joining ROTC at TWU, and both acknowledge that her consistent encouragement—and persistent email reminders—made the difference.

When asked what advice they would offer other students considering TASSP, both emphasize the importance of taking initiative.

Culpepper summed it up simply: “Even if you don’t think you’ll get it, apply anyway. Challenge yourself. And check your email.”

 

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Page last updated 3:41 PM, February 26, 2026