Elizabeth Leishman: Empowered to Teach, Inspired to Make a Difference

Scholarship recipient prepares to begin teaching career, thanks to financial support

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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Elizabeth Leishman, a senior at Utah State University's School of Teacher Education & Leadership, is preparing to graduate debt-free and begin her teaching career in an inner-city school in Chicago, thanks to receiving the Lonnie & Cheryl Smith Scholarship. The scholarship has allowed her to focus on her studies and student teaching experience rather than worrying about finances.

Why it matters

Expendable scholarships like the Lonnie & Cheryl Smith Scholarship play a vital role at Utah State University by providing immediate financial support to students during critical points in their education, enabling them to focus on learning and gaining hands-on experience rather than worrying about tuition, fees, or living expenses.

The details

As a senior in the Emma Eccles Jones College of Education and Human Services, Elizabeth is preparing to graduate with a degree in secondary education, focusing on English. The scholarship has come at a crucial time, as she transitions into her student teaching semester and will no longer be able to work full-time. Not having to worry about finances has been "life-changing" for Elizabeth, allowing her to dedicate her time and energy to teaching rather than worrying about money.

  • Elizabeth is set to graduate in the spring of 2026.
  • She will begin her student teaching experience in the spring of 2026.

The players

Elizabeth Leishman

A senior at Utah State University's School of Teacher Education & Leadership, preparing to graduate with a degree in secondary education, focusing on English.

Lonnie & Cheryl Smith Scholarship

An expendable scholarship from Utah State University's Emma Eccles Jones College of Education and Human Services that provides immediate financial support to students.

Utah State University

A public research university located in Logan, Utah, where Elizabeth Leishman is a student.

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What they’re saying

“This scholarship has helped a lot. It came at the perfect time — just as I'm getting ready to begin student teaching in the spring. I've been working full time since I started college, but I won't be able to continue that as a student teacher. Not having to worry as much about tuition and fees during this time has reduced a huge amount of stress. It's allowing me to focus fully on my last semester and graduate debt-free. Knowing I can dedicate my time and energy to teaching rather than finances has been life-changing.”

— Elizabeth Leishman (usu.edu)

“Receiving this scholarship has reminded me that there are people who care about my success and want to see me thrive. I hope to honor that generosity every day in the classroom by inspiring my students to reach their full potential.”

— Elizabeth Leishman (usu.edu)

What’s next

Elizabeth plans to begin her teaching career in an inner-city school in Chicago after graduating from Utah State University.

The takeaway

This scholarship has empowered Elizabeth Leishman to focus on her studies and student teaching experience, rather than worrying about finances, and has inspired her to make a difference in the lives of her future students, particularly in underserved communities.