August 28, 2026
As part of the new Virginia Foundation for Independent Colleges (VFIC) Presidential Scholars Program, Kayne Wooten ’29 has been selected as part the inaugural cohort of presidential scholars.
According to the VFIC, “the program is a new statewide initiative designed to develop the next generation of values-based leaders across Virginia’s independent colleges and universities. In its inaugural year, the program recognizes one exceptional rising second-year student from each of the 17 VFIC member institutions. Selected by their college or university presidents, these scholars exemplify outstanding leadership, a commitment to service, and a passion for strengthening their communities.”
“I’m confident that Kayne will represent Hampden-Sydney well in the inaugural cohort of presidential scholars,” says Hampden-Sydney College President Larry Stimpert. “Kayne and the other presidential scholars will have opportunities to participate in virtual and in-person leadership development seminars, and each presidential scholar is being asked to develop a campus improvement project, which members of Hampden-Sydney’s leadership team and I look forward to supporting as Kayne develops. We’re very grateful to the Virginia Foundation for Independent Colleges for its generous financial support and pleased to have the opportunity to partner with them on this new scholarship initiative.”
Each scholar will be awarded a $10,000 annual scholarship—made possible through funding provided by Bonnie and Wick Moorman—renewable for up to three years, along with valuable leadership development opportunities. These include mentorship from their college or university president, participation in leadership seminars and statewide networking events with business, government, nonprofit leaders, and VFIC trustees, as well as a fully funded experiential learning opportunity such as studying abroad, completing an internship, or conducting a research project.
“I am honored to represent Hampden-Sydney as an inaugural VFIC Presidential Scholar,” Kayne says. “I look forward to working closely with President Stimpert throughout this next year. I believe that leadership and service are important factors in the progression of our society. A society that lacks people who will take the initiative to be leaders is bound to remain at a standstill on any changes that could benefit us as a whole. I am grateful to be given the opportunity to develop my own leadership skills with the rest of the inaugural cohort.”
Kayne's selection as a presidential scholar reflects both his dedication to leadership and the caliber of students at Hampden-Sydney College. As he joins peers from other independent colleges and universities across Virginia, he will help shape the future of the VFIC Presidential Scholars Program while providing new perspectives, strengthened leadership skills, and a continued commitment to serving his campus and community.