A Scholarship that Creates Space to Dream: Meet this Future Neurosurgeon Studying at Spelman
For many college students, balancing academics with the realities of paying for school is a daily challenge. For Kylie Butler, an undergraduate student at UNCF-member institution Spelman College, receiving the 2025 UNCF Michael L. Lomax Success Scholarship has provided much more than financial assistance—it has offered her the freedom to fully embrace her time at college and pursue an ambitious dream of becoming a physician.
Butler, a health sciences major on the pre-med track, has her sights set on medical school and a career as a neurosurgeon. She hopes to contribute to research on degenerative diseases, helping advance treatments for patients and families facing some of medicine’s greatest challenges.
Her journey has been strengthened by the support of UNCF. “Receiving the Michael L. Lomax Scholarship didn’t just help financially,” she said. “It allowed me to be more present and engaged in my college experience.”
Instead of worrying about how to cover the expenses of college, Butler has been able to focus on what matters most: excelling in the classroom, becoming active on campus and pursuing opportunities that align with her long-term goals. “The scholarship definitely helped relieve financial stress,” she explained. “But more than that, it gave me the space and confidence to really focus on becoming the best student I can be.”
That sense of possibility is exactly what drew Butler to Spelman College, where she believed she could grow not only as a scholar but also as a leader committed to serving her community. “I chose Spelman because I wanted to become great—not just academically, but as a person,” she said. “Now more than ever, this world needs more educated Black women.”
For Butler, Spelman represented more than a prestigious academic institution—the college offered an environment intentionally designed to nurture the whole student. “Spelman stood out to me because it doesn’t just focus on academics, but on growth as a whole person,” she said. “I wanted to be in an environment where I could grow not only in the classroom, but also as a Black woman navigating the world.”
One of her most meaningful experiences at Spelman was joining the stroll team. Stroll teams, organized by chapters of the Divine Nine, perform high energy synchronized dances at campus events. Competitions among several teams are often organized.
On the stroll team, Butler discovered the power of community and connection beyond academics. The friendships and support system she has built through the team have become an essential part of her college experience, reminding her that success is rarely achieved alone.
“Being on the stroll team allowed me to connect with people from different majors, backgrounds and perspectives,” she shared. “It really taught me what sisterhood looks like in a real way.”
While Butler is not a first-generation college student, she is blazing a new trail in her family as the first to study medicine. She expects to graduate in May 2029.
She hopes her journey encourages other students to pursue their dreams with confidence. “Don’t be afraid to take up space, ask for help and fully embrace every opportunity that comes your way,” she said.
To the donors whose generosity made her scholarship possible, Butler shares that their support “goes far beyond financial assistance. It creates opportunities and changes lives. Because of you, students like me can pursue our dreams without limitation and have confidence in our future.”
Stories like Butler’s demonstrate the life-changing impact of investing in students. Through scholarships and the generosity of donors, UNCF continues to remove financial barriers to education and empower students—tomorrow’s leaders—pursue their purpose.
UNCF is proud of our students and alumni who have received scholarships that help them continue their education and graduate. These scholarships are invaluable to students, and UNCF is accepting donations to support students like Kylie Butler in their academic endeavors.