Kairos Scholars
/ˈkī ‘ räs/ noun.
a time when conditions are right for the accomplishment of a crucial action; the opportune and decisive moment
Kairos Scholars Award
Southern Nazarene University recognizes academic excellence. First-time, full-time students with qualifying scores are eligible to compete for one of four Kairos Scholars awards.
One Top Award – Full-Ride
A value of more than 138,000 over 4 years.
(The top award covers full tuition, general fees, room & board. Student’s only expenses are books, applicable course fees, and private room fees.)
Three Full-Tuition Awards
A value of more than $108,000 over 4 years.
Kairos Scholars Award Application Requirements
- Application and acceptance to SNU
- Minimum high school GPA of 3.5
- One of the following:
- ACT minimum score of 30 + – OR –
- SAT minimum score of 1390 +
- Scholarship application
- Résumé displaying leadership and/or service, high school achievements, and involvement in church, community, and work activities
- Letter of Recommendation attesting to your academic achievement
- 500-1,000 word essays addressing each of the following questions:
- SNU's mission is to make Christlike disciples through higher education. We strive to lead students as they continually refine their character, create the culture around them, and serve Christ in all they do. Describe why this motto and the integration of faith and learning is important to you and the value you see in this type of academic environment.
- Identify an educational, social, or economic trend you believe will have a significant impact on your chosen profession. Include leadership qualities you possess that will help you respond to that trend and have a positive impact in your professional field.
Document Submission Deadlines for Fall 2026
All required documents must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. on February 9, 2026 through the Online Application, which opens October 15, 2025.
Kairos Scholars Interview and Notification of Award
Qualifying candidates will participate in an interview at the Kairos Scholars afternoon event on March 6, 2026, 1:00-4:00 p.m., by invitation only. All finalists invited to the Kairos Event will receive a generous scholarship.
Scholarship recipients will be notified by February 16, 2026.
Scholarship recipients will be introduced to the faculty and recognized as Kairos Scholars at the beginning of the Fall 2025 semester.
Note
Kairos Scholars candidates should submit a FAFSA by January 30, 2026. Please use SNU school code 003149, on the FAFSA. https://studentaid.gov/ After completing the FAFSA, all government/state aid will be applied to the student’s account. The Kairos Scholars award will fill any remaining gap to meet the full amount promised.
* The FAFSA filing deadline requirement for the Kairos Scholarship will be adjusted as dates are modified through the federal government.
The Kairos Scholars award is limited to 17 hours per semester for eight semesters. This scholarship does not apply to December or summer terms.
A minimum GPA requirement will remain in effect to avoid interruption of the award.
2025 Kairos Scholars

2025 Top Award | Full Ride Scholarship Winner
Charis Andrews graduated from Grapevine Faith Christian High School in Grapevine, Texas, where she was a dedicated student-athlete and leader. She played a key role on the school’s soccer team and also ran cross country. Beyond athletics, Charis was involved in Student Council, Yearbook, National Honor Society, the Grapevine Faith Ambassador Program, and Bible Buddies. She logged over 170 hours of community service during high school, serving with organizations such as Mission Arlington and Metro Ministries in Costa Rica. Charis believes deeply in the importance of spiritual mentorship and has been shaped by educators who modeled strong faith in the truth of Scripture. She is excited to continue her academic and spiritual journey at Southern Nazarene University, where she looks forward to being part of a Christ-centered community that encourages both personal growth and purposeful living.

2025 Full Tuition Scholarship Winner
Katelyn Brougher graduated from Junction City High School in Eugene, Oregon. During her time in high school, she was an active member of the Track and Field team and also showcased her passion for dance by performing in the Adventures in Narnia ballet. Kaitlyn plans to pursue a degree in Mathematics Education, with the goal of becoming a teacher at a private Christian school. She is passionate about integrating faith and learning, hoping to create a classroom environment where students can grow academically while exploring their spiritual beliefs. Kaitlyn’s dedication to both education and her faith motivates her to inspire and support students in their personal and academic journeys.

2025 Full Tuition Scholarship Winner
Jaxon Mott graduated from Edmond Memorial High School in Edmond, Oklahoma, where he was actively involved in baseball, football, and band. Beyond athletics and music, Jaxon served as a Student Ministry Intern at Faith Bible Church, writing devotionals and Bible studies for middle and high school students. He also volunteered with the Miracle League, supporting special needs baseball players. Passionate about history, Jaxon plans to double major in theology and history, seeing these fields as deeply interconnected. He believes that a strong understanding of history enriches biblical knowledge, and he is excited about the opportunity to combine his academic interests. Jaxon envisions a future where he can work as a high school history teacher or college professor, impacting students who might not otherwise be exposed to the love of Christ. Although balancing dual careers and scholarship will be challenging, Jaxon is committed to pursuing this meaningful and versatile path.

2025 Full Tuition Scholarship Winner
Megan Stevens graduated at the top of her class from Clearwater High School in Clearwater, KS. Throughout her high school years, she was actively involved in a variety of extracurricular activities, including playing clarinet in the band, competing on the swim team, and participating in Nazarene Youth Bible Quizzing. She also contributed her talents to color guard, cross country, and track, demonstrating her diverse interests and commitment. Megan gained valuable experience through the Zoo Apprenticeship Program at the Sedgwick County Zoo, which deepened her passion for animals and biology. She plans to pursue studies in biology and zoology before earning a degree in veterinary medicine. Outside of academics and activities, Megan enjoys reading, especially fantasy, action-adventure, and science fiction genres. Currently, she is also learning American Sign Language, broadening her communication skills and cultural understanding.
2024 Kairos Scholars

2024 Top Award | Full Ride Scholarship Winner
Madison Holloran graduated from Shawnee Heights High School in Topeka, Kansas. In high school, she participated in cheerleading, leading the team to place several times in the state competition. Other extracurriculars include Student Council, National Honor Society, Spirit Club, and Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Outside of school, she volunteers, teaches Sunday school, and helps out in her family’s non-profit organization. Madison was honored to be voted to the Queen of Courts, which she contributes to living her life as Jesus would and allowing his kindness to be shown through her. With the gifts God has bestowed upon Madison, she is pursuing a mathematics education degree to become a mathematics teacher. She believes that SNU is the best next step in becoming a woman of God and achieving lifelong success.

2024 Full Tuition Scholarship Winner
Trudy Hein is a Hillsboro High School graduate from Hillsboro, Kansas. In high school, she was blessed to participate in every activity she could, including cross country, basketball, swim team, choir, band, FCA, the drama program, yearbook, worship team, and mission trips- holding leadership roles in most of these organizations. Trudy feels called to serve the nations, being the hands and feet of Jesus and making disciples. While she is still discerning the will of God, she currently hopes to become an intercultural counselor for at-risk women and children. Going into college, she wants to focus on discipleship and fellowship with others who love Jesus while pursuing a degree and nurturing her relationship with Jesus.

2024 Full Tuition Scholarship Winner
Evan Hulse graduated from Heritage Hall in Oklahoma City. His heart is in the church, where he has served since middle school. He loves singing, songwriting, playing guitar, piano, and other instruments. Throughout high school, he participated in eighteen productions, including musicals, plays, and revues. He loves spending time with family and friends, seeking every opportunity to make them smile. He also maintained a 4.0 GPA, made the headmaster’s list every semester, and received the Heritage Hall “Faculty Award,” which was voted on by the Heritage Hall’s teachers. In the summer of 2023, he won the Kelly O’Hara awards for “Rising Star” and “Outstanding Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role” and later performed on Broadway in the Jimmy Awards. Evan is beyond excited to pursue Worship Arts at SNU and grow his love for Jesus, music, and people.

2024 Full Tuition Scholarship Winner
Conley McAuliff graduated from Jenks High School in Jenks, Oklahoma. Throughout high school, Conley was involved in various clubs and activities, including Student Council, National Honors Society, and volleyball. She is most proud of her accomplishments in the Student Council, for which she was the Events Officer and planned various events such as homecoming. Conley enjoys spending time with her family and friends, playing pickleball, and loving on her dogs. She constantly seeks opportunities to volunteer at her church and in her community; one of her favorite places is her home church, BattleCreek, where she serves weekly. Conley is excited to pursue physical therapy at SNU. She was inspired by both of her parents to pursue a career in the medical field. Throughout her time at SNU, Conley hopes to grow her relationship with the Lord as well as make so many new friendships!
2023 Kairos Scholars

2023 Top Award | Full Ride Scholarship Winner
Joanna Zachariah graduated from Yukon High School in Yukon, Oklahoma. In high school, Joanna participated in choir, health professionals club, and several honor societies. She enjoys playing piano, singing in church and school choirs, traveling, and spending time with family and friends. She seeks out opportunities to volunteer and aims to be a beacon of light in others’ lives. Joanna’s personal experiences inspired her to pursue medicine so that she can contribute to her community as a servant leader. In high school, she was chosen to participate in the Canadian Valley Technology Center Biomedical Sciences Program and was selected to graduate as a class valedictorian. Throughout college, she is excited to grow spiritually and academically, building her relationship with Jesus and her peers. Joanna is incredibly excited to continue her education at SNU!

2023 Full Tuition Scholarship
Emma Burton is from Bryan, Texas. She loves reading, 3D art, sewing, and music. Jobs requiring creativity are where she excels. With her love for art and creative thinking, Emma is pursuing a degree in graphic design so that she can help others display their ideas in a beautiful, effective, and creative way. With her talents in piano, guitar, and singing, she is also pursuing an education in worship music so that she can use her talents to bless others and point them to God in worship. She hopes to be a volunteer church musician when she graduates while pursuing a career in the graphic design field.

2023 Full Tuition Scholarship
Danielle Coombes is a graduate of Edmond Santa Fe High School in Edmond, Oklahoma. She enjoys reading, running, having philosophical discussions with friends, and playing with her dog, Nala. Her dream job is to become a doctor of Physical Therapy who specializes in psychology and gerontology so she can start her own clinic that caters to patients of all ages and heals a person’s body, mind, and soul. Danielle views empathy and compassion as must-have qualities in life and hopes to implement them in her services to others just like Christ. She is someone who feels a calling to help others, and she loves to listen to other people’s life stories and hardships to know the world better.

2023 Full Tuition Scholarship
Evan Rader is a graduate of Mustang High School in Mustang, Oklahoma. He enjoys playing guitar and loves fishing, hunting, and competitive sports, playing football for the SNU Storm. Evan looks for ways to create meaningful relationships with others and strives to show Jesus to everyone he encounters through his high standard of positive attitude and maximum effort in everything he does. He aspires to become a Mechanical Engineer.
2022 Kairos Scholars

2022 Top Award | Full Tuition Scholarship
Aydin Read is a Harding Charter Preparatory High School graduate from Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. A hard-working student with a love for debate, video games, and biking, Aydin enjoys all things science. It is his deep desire to become a surgeon who is both knowledgeable and excellent, as well as empathetic and caring. As he seeks to use his education to help others, he does it with a thoughtful and kind demeanor. Valuing service to his community, Aydin has set a standard of volunteering, showing value to others with a desire to know them and honor their individual stories with a servant’s heart.