February 16, 2026
URI Student Veteran and Cranston, R.I. Native Paul Everton II Receives Competitive National Tau Sigma Scholarship
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
URI Student Veteran and Cranston, R.I. native, Paul Everton II Receives Competitive National Tau Sigma Scholarship
KINGSTON, R.I. – University of Rhode Island senior, Cranston, R.I. native, U.S. Air Force veteran, and founding president of URI’s Tau Sigma chapter, Paul Everton II, has been awarded a competitive national Tau Sigma scholarship recognizing academic excellence, leadership, and service among top transfer students nationwide.
The Tau Sigma scholarship is awarded annually to a select number of student leaders from chapters nationwide. Recipients are recognized for demonstrating significant impact through leadership within their chapter, contributions to their university community, commitment to civic engagement, and outstanding academic achievement.
Everton, a Political Science major who maintains a 4.0 GPA, helped establish URI’s Tau Sigma chapter from the ground up and currently serves as president, leading nearly 100 members. He has organized member outreach initiatives, coordinated officer leadership development, and helped build the chapter’s operational structure and campus presence.
Beyond his chapter leadership, Everton has supported veteran students through Military and Veterans Education (MAVE), assisting peers in navigating academic transitions and accessing campus resources. His community service includes public outreach addressing food insecurity in Rhode Island and supporting veterans through educational benefits guidance.
The chapter’s service initiatives recently included a joint partnership with MAVE supporting a Rhode Island Veterans Cemetery cleanup, an effort reflecting Everton’s dedication to civic engagement and veteran advocacy.
“I wouldn’t have been able to accomplish everything I have without the support of my faculty advisor, John Rooney, and our executive board,” Everton said. “The success of Tau Sigma reflects a shared commitment to creating opportunities and belonging for transfer students.”
“Paul’s leadership has been transformational,” said John Rooney, faculty advisor for URI’s Tau Sigma chapter. “He didn’t just join an organization, he built it. His commitment to academic excellence, veteran support, and service to others embodies the very mission of Tau Sigma and the values of the University of Rhode Island. Paul is very deserving and has earned this recognition”
Everton will graduate in Spring 2026 and intends to use the scholarship to begin graduate studies in Fall 2026, continuing to build upon his civic service and lifelong commitment to community leadership.
Tau Sigma is the national transfer honor society recognizing the top 20 percent of each transferring class with a minimum 3.5 GPA, honoring academic achievement, leadership, and engagement among transfer students nationwide. Learn more about URI’s Tau Sigma.