WSU Tri-Cities student selected for Air Force sponsorship

By Maegan Murray, WSU Tri-Cities

Blake-Galloway-80RICHLAND, Wash. – Washington State University Tri-Cities student Blake Galloway is one of 29 electrical and computer engineering students selected internationally for the U.S. Air Force Technical Degree Sponsorship Program.

“It is very elite,” said Brian Rodgers, Air Force master sergeant. “Nobody else in Washington, Oregon or Alaska was selected; Blake Galloway was it for the region.”

To qualify, Galloway had to meet physical requirements of the Air Force, maintain a strong GPA and submit letters of recommendation. He has a 3.9 GPA and is an officer for the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) professional association on campus.

Galloway-left-and-Rodgers-web
Galloway, left, receives the award from Brian Rodgers, Air Force master sergeant.

Galloway will receive the pay of an Airman E-3 through graduation – which will go toward his college tuition and other costs – full medical and dental coverage and 30 days of paid leave. After he graduates, he will complete officer’s school and serve a minimum of four years in the Air Force.

“It’s a huge relief and a huge honor,” Galloway said. “I won’t have to work retail for the next year, thanks to this. I can dedicate my time to getting my work done for school.”

Electrical engineering professors David Lowry, Mohamed Osman and Scott Hudson said Galloway is the perfect choice for the honor.

“He’s an excellent student, holds a high level of responsibility and maturity, is a self-starter, and his leadership potential is going to be a very important characteristic as an officer,” Hudson said.

Galloway said he had considered the military but didn’t think it was possible while earning his major in electrical engineering: “I’m excited that I can do both,” he said.

“We are interested in helping our students pave their career paths both for going into and coming out of the military,” said Hudson of the services WSU Tri-Cities extends to students. “We are very veteran and military friendly.”

 

Contact:
Maegan Murray, WSU Tri-Cities public relations specialist, 509-372-7333, maegan.murray@tricity.wsu.edu