H.E. Kidder Freshman Scholarship recipients Nathaniel Flower (left) and Gracie Spiker (right)
A legacy of mentorship and dedication to student success continues to thrive at West Virginia University, where the H.E. Kidder Freshman Scholarship honors the life and work of a beloved professor and adviser who inspired generations of students in the Davis College of Agriculture and Natural Resources.
The H.E. Kidder Freshman Scholarship is open to first-time freshmen who are studying Animal and Nutritional Sciences.
Dr. H.E. “Doc” Kidder was a professor of animal and veterinary sciences at the Davis College until his retirement in 1988. He devoted 34 years to WVU as a teacher, adviser, livestock and horse judging team coach, and dedicated mentor to his students.
After his retirement, a scholarship fund was established for exceptional freshman students admitted to the Animal and Nutritional Sciences program at the Davis College, serving as a fitting memorial to someone who invested so much of himself into student success.
This scholarship was awarded to eight outstanding first-year students in 2024, including Maleah Weber, Jenna Hoskinson, Kaiya Bowles, Sophia Saurino, Samuel Findo, Carrick Lough, Nathaniel Flower and Gracie Spiker.
Spiker, a fourth-generation WVU Davis College student, has a particular connection to this scholarship. Her grandfather, John Spiker, had Dr. Kidder as his adviser during his time at WVU.
"I've always been involved in agriculture— 4-H and growing up on a farm made sure it was always a part of me. When looking at my future, I wanted to choose something that would keep me close to my roots," Spiker said. "I am the fourth generation in my family to attend WVU and while not all of them studied animal science, everyone chose a field that kept them close to agriculture."
After graduation, Spiker plans to attend veterinary school and later open her own practice, striving to make care more affordable to better the lives of both the people and animals in her hometown.
Dr. H.E. “Doc” Kidder was a professor of animal and veterinary sciences at the Davis College until his retirement in 1988.
Flower, another Kidder Scholarship recipient and third-generation Davis College student, has similar family ties that have guided his path. Both his mother and grandfather studied Animal and Nutritional Sciences at WVU, and his grandfather, Jamie Moore, was also advised by Dr. Kidder.
“I didn’t know about the family connection when I applied for this scholarship until I told my grandfather, and he mentioned that Dr. Kidder was his adviser. It means so much to me to represent this scholarship, as Dr. Kidder was such a great influence on my grandfather, who is one of the biggest influences on my life. I’m very honored to receive this scholarship,” Flower said.
Flower's grandfather has enjoyed a long career as a veterinarian in Fairmont, West Virginia. Citing his influence, Flower has the same goal in mind. He plans to attend veterinary school after graduation and eventually open his own practice in his hometown.
As he was to both Spiker’s and Flower’s grandfathers, Dr. Kidder served as a mentor and advocate for students in the Davis College for many years.
“He took pride in the fact that he could help students succeed while also creating a career path they’re interested in. He got to know all of his advisees individually and encouraged his students to work hard and pursue careers that suited them,” Bob Dailey, Davis-Michael Scholars program coordinator, said. “He was the epitome of student-centered and touched the lives of so many students. He did everything for others, so this scholarship honors his legacy in a way that he would really appreciate.”
Applications for the Kidder Scholarship for the 2025-2026 academic year will be open until March 15, 2025. Applicants must have a cumulative high school GPA greater than 3.0 and/or a composite ACT score of 25 and/or a SAT score of 1200. Academic performance, demonstration of leadership abilities and financial need are the basis for selection of the scholarship recipients. Scholarships are for one academic year and not renewable. Visit the Davis Michael Scholars Program website for more information.
This scholarship was created through the WVU Foundation, the nonprofit organization that receives and administers private donations on behalf of the University.
The Davis College of Agriculture and Natural Resources envisions a world sustainably fed, clothed and sheltered. To learn more about the Davis College, visit davis.wvu.edu.