STEPHENVILLE — Tarleton State University senior Sadie Shudde has been selected as the university’s first Astronaut Scholarship Foundation recipient, earning a $15,000 scholarship for the 2026-27 academic year through a sponsorship by astronaut Charlie Duke and his wife, Dotty.
The Dukes and representatives from the ASF were on campus in January to officially establish the scholarship. Charlie said he and Dotty were moved to sponsor Tarleton State after President Dr. James Hurley invited them to visit campus. They were impressed with the school, the administration, the faculty, and the number of students who were first-time college students.
Shudde, who is double-majoring in math and computer science, said she was motivated to apply for the scholarship after hearing Duke speak in January.
“Seeing his passion and hearing his story were incredibly inspiring and encouraged me to apply, not only for the scholarship itself, but for the ability to be surrounded by people who are committed to advancing science, technology and the future.”
Shudde was selected from the top two candidates out of an original group of 30 and said when she received the news she burst out in excitement.
“I remember reading the email and immediately screaming, ‘I won!’ loud enough to thoroughly confuse my parents in the other room,” she said. “Once the excitement settled in, my next thought was realizing how much this opportunity could impact my future.”
ASF scholarship recipients are chosen for their exceptional academic performance and demonstrated research potential in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics. In addition to financial support, the ASF provides networking opportunities, mentorship from astronauts and senior industry leaders, participation in its Innovators Symposium and Gala, and access to a lifelong professional community.
“I plan to pursue a Ph.D. after graduation, and the opportunities this award provides are truly incredible,” Shudde continued. “I’m especially excited to meet the other scholars and learn about the research being conducted not only outside of Tarleton State, but across the country.”
Learning how connected ASF scholarship alumni remain, even more than a decade after receiving their scholarships, is especially impressive, she added.
“That sense of community reminds me of Tarleton State, feeling less like a program and more like a family.
The scholarship will be presented to Shudde in two different events, one in Houston in August and another on campus in the fall, said Mayfield College of Engineering Dean Dr. Rafael Landaeta.
“Sadie is an exemplary scholar who proudly embodies the spirit and excellence of the Tarleton State student body within this inaugural ASF cohort,” said Dr. Landaeta. “Raised in a small Texas community, Sadie is currently pursuing a rigorous dual major in STEM, serving as a powerful testament to the transformative educational opportunities offered at Tarleton.
“Her exceptional academic achievements and dynamic leadership have earned her the deep respect of faculty across multiple colleges, culminating in this well-deserved national recognition,” he added.
Dr. Kevin Johnson, Dean of the College of Science and Mathematics, described Shudde as an outstanding student in the demanding field of STEM who carries a 3.97 GPA and is consistently on the President’s List, and said her selection for the ASF scholarship reflects her exceptional academic ability, intellectual curiosity and meaningful research promise.
“Her work as lead coder on a sensor-driven AI emotion-recognition project through a Research Experience for Undergraduates at Kennesaw State University, which earned Best Poster recognition, and her subsequent machine-learning research at Tarleton State demonstrate that she is not only an outstanding student in the classroom but also a young researcher capable of applying mathematics and computing to complex, real-world problems,” he said. “She also brings leadership and service to her academic community through roles with Math Club, Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers and STEM outreach, making her an especially deserving recipient of this prestigious scholarship.”
Founded in 1984 by the Mercury 7 astronauts, the ASF is a nonprofit organization that awards more than 70 scholarships each year to outstanding college students pursuing degrees in STEM fields. In 2025, the foundation awarded 74 scholarships to students representing 51 universities. ASF’s university partners include many of the nation’s leading STEM institutions, recognized for their academic excellence and rigorous graduate-level research opportunities. In addition, each partner institution benefits from dedicated sponsorship — from industry leaders to alumni and foundations — that strengthens the scholarship’s reach and impact.
To learn more about the ASF, visit astronautscholarship.org.
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