RADFORD -- Radford University junior management major Juliann Abercrombie, daughter of Bowie and Brenda Abercrombie of Ashburn, has been awarded the prestigious McGowan Scholarship by the RU College of Business and Economics.

The scholarship was made possible by the William G. McGowan Charitable Fund, which awarded the College of Business and Economics a scholarship grant covering up to one year’s tuition.

“I am honored to have been selected for this generous award,” said Abercrombie. “William McGowan was a true leader in the business field and showed that just about anything is possible with hard work, perseverance and devotion to a dream. These are lessons I will value and carry with me throughout my academic and professional career.”

Abercrombie has been a visible member of the RU community. She is a student representative to the RU Board of Visitors, the vice president of student finance in the Student Government Association, a committee member of the Student Affairs Executive Council and an international member of the Society for the Advancement of Management. She has received many university honors, including the 2008 Outstanding Student Award and a 2007-2008 Foundation Scholarship. Abercrombie plans to enroll in graduate school and work in the field of human resources following her graduation from RU.

The William G. McGowan Scholars program encourages leadership, interpersonal skills and a significant involvement in campus and community activities. It also recognizes excellence of character, a spirit of innovation and entrepreneurial potential. Scholarships are awarded to selected accredited college and university business schools. William G. McGowan was the founder of MCI Communications Corporation.

This is the fourth year the McGowan Scholarship has been awarded to the RU College of Business and Economics. The first recipient was Steve Mignogna, a marketing major from Mount Laurel, N.J. The second recipient was Robert P. Barrett, an economics and German major from Roanoke. Last year’s recipient was Natalie Wilson, a finance major from Bristol, Va.