Bush Wealth Management Invests in the Next Generation of Financial Services Professionals at VSU

Jack Kennedy is one of two recipients of the inaugural Bush Wealth Management Scholarship at Valdosta State University. A 2023 graduate of Valdosta High School, he is in his third year at VSU, pursuing dual majors in accounting and finance. Following graduation, he plans to pursue a career as a financial analyst. Trenten E. Newkirk is one of two recipients of the inaugural Bush Wealth Management Scholarship at Valdosta State University. A senior finance major with a minor in business analytics, he is a 2023 graduate of Woodstock High School and serves as president of the Valdosta State Investment Group. He plans to pursue a career in banking before transitioning into portfolio or wealth management, building on the professional experience and skills he has developed through his involvement at VSU.

Through scholarships, program support, and an endowed fund, the company is expanding opportunities for Valdosta State University students pursuing careers in financial planning and wealth management.

VALDOSTA — Valdosta State University students pursuing careers in financial planning and related fields are gaining access to expanded opportunities through the continued support of Bush Wealth Management.

Through an annual scholarship, a program support fund, and a newly established endowed scholarship, Bush Wealth Management is investing in students while helping strengthen the pipeline of financial services professionals prepared to serve communities throughout South Georgia, North Florida, and beyond.

The program support fund provides resources for student and faculty professional development, including conference travel, networking opportunities, specialized training, and access to industry-standard software and resources. These experiences give students opportunities to build professional connections, develop industry-specific skills, and apply what they learn in the classroom to real-world settings.

In addition, the Bush Wealth Management Scholarship helps recruit and support high-achieving students interested in careers in financial planning and wealth management. Recipients are selected based on academic achievement, involvement in extracurricular activities, and a demonstrated commitment to the financial services profession.

“We are grateful to Bush Wealth Management for recognizing the importance of investing in future financial planning professionals,” said Dr. Guclu Atinc, dean of VSU’s Harley Langdale Jr. College of Business Administration. “Their support helps create opportunities for students while strengthening the talent pipeline for the entire financial services industry. The impact of this partnership will be felt by employers, clients, and communities across our region for years to come.”

The inaugural recipients of the Bush Wealth Management Scholarship are Trenten E. Newkirk and Jack Kennedy, both pursuing careers in the financial services industry.

Newkirk, a senior finance major with a minor in business analytics, is a 2023 graduate of Woodstock High School and serves as president of the Valdosta State Investment Group. He plans to pursue a career in banking before transitioning into portfolio or wealth management, building on the professional experience and skills he has developed through his involvement at VSU.

Kennedy, a 2023 graduate of Valdosta High School, is in his third year at VSU, pursuing dual majors in accounting and finance. Following graduation, he plans to pursue a career as a financial analyst.

Bush Wealth Management has also established an endowed scholarship to provide ongoing support for students well into the future. Unlike annual scholarship support, an endowed scholarship creates a lasting source of funding that can benefit generations of VSU students.

Together, these investments provide students with financial support and professional development opportunities that can help prepare them for careers serving individuals, families, businesses, and financial services organizations.

The partnership reflects the Harley Langdale Jr. College of Business Administration’s commitment to connecting students with industry professionals and creating meaningful opportunities that extend beyond the classroom.

For more information on setting up endowments or donating to the Harley Langdale Jr. College of Business Administration, please contact Janna Luke, development officer, at 229-219-3281 or janluke@valdosta.edu.