Earlier this year, student veteran Benetta Dousuah G’25 was named one of Syracuse University’s 2024 Tillman Scholars, joining an elite group of military-connected individuals committed to impactful leadership. Dousuah is currently pursuing a master’s degree in social work in the Falk College of Sport and Human Dynamics, and is among the select few chosen nationwide, and one of three Syracuse University military-connected students, by the Pat Tillman Foundation for her demonstrated potential to lead and serve.
Tillman Scholar Benetta Dousuah G’25, a U.S. Army veteran and graduate student in the Falk College of Sport and Human Dynamics (Photo by Charlie Poag)
The Tillman Foundation, established in memory of former National Football League player and U.S. Army Ranger Pat Tillman, honors his legacy by supporting veterans, active-duty service members and military spouses through scholarships, professional development and a lifelong network. Tillman left behind a promising football career to serve his country following the 9/11 terrorist attacks, and in 2004 suffered a tragic incident that cost him his life. His foundation seeks to empower others to embody his values of service, scholarship and humble leadership.
Benetta Dousuah and her daughter upon Duasuah’s graduation from U.S. Army Basic Training (Photo courtesy of Benetta Dousuah)
For Dousuah, being named a Tillman Scholar is a culmination of hard work and community-focused ambition. “When I first heard about the Tillman Foundation, I was honestly shocked that there was a foundation like that with people still in the service, veterans, and military spouses who were making an impact like that,” Dousuah says. “I wanted to be a part of that organization because they were making an impact, and that’s something that I wanted to do in my community; that was one of the main reasons why I applied for the scholarship.”
The journey to becoming a Tillman Scholar is rigorous, many of those selected often speak of having to overcome imposter syndrome just to apply after seeing the accomplishments of past Tillman Scholars. Dousuah credits the supportive environment at Syracuse University for helping her succeed through the application process which is renowned for requiring personal reflection.
One of those supportive sources she found was Syracuse University’s Center for Fellowship and Scholarship Advising (CFSA). Jolynn Parker, director of CFSA, assisted Dousuah in ensuring that she had the best application to put forward and, at times, gave her the encouragement that Dousuah says she needed.
“She gave me ‘mom vibes’—the kind where someone believes in you so much that you feel you can’t let them down,” says Dousuah, who is a mother to a young daughter herself. “Jolynn pushed me to be my best, holding me accountable while reminding me I could achieve this.”
Additionally, Dousuah says she found help in preparing from the Office of Veteran and Military Affairs (OVMA). OVMA Executive Director Ron Novack provided Dousuah with opportunities to practice through mock interviews and prepare her to represent herself to the selection board.
Benetta Dousuah celebrating as the Hometown Hero during the recent Syracuse vs. University of Connecticut football game at the JMA Wireless Dome (Photo by Charlie Poag)
For her dedication to service, Dousuah was recently honored as the Hometown Hero at the JMA Wireless Dome during men’s football game against the University of Connecticut. She says she’s excited for what the future brings to her with this new community of support behind her, and aims to help other military-connected students at Syracuse University who are interested in the Tillman Foundation or looking to apply.
Looking ahead, Dousuah plans to use her platform as a Tillman Scholar to advocate for veterans and pursue her goals of shaping policies within the Department of Defense’s Sexual Harassment/Assault Response and Prevention (SHARP). She is also preparing for an impactful return to her home country of Liberia this winter, where she will distribute donated school supplies to children in need—a project she describes as fulfilling the Tillman Foundation’s mission of making a lasting difference.
Her advice for aspiring Tillman Scholars is simple, “Be yourself and don’t get discouraged. Whether or not you’re selected, the journey of applying is worth it—and the foundation’s work is something to be a part of in any way you can,” says Dousuah.
Applications for the Tillman Scholarship will open in early December and close in February 2025. Those military-connected students at Syracuse University who are interested in applying are highly encouraged to reach out to the OVMA, CFSA and any of the University’s growing roster of Tillman Scholars.
