Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation Welcomes LtGen George W. Smith Jr. as New Chairman

Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation Welcomes New Leadership

The Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation (MCSF) has recently made a significant leadership change by appointing Lieutenant General George W. Smith Jr., USMC (Ret.), as the new Chairman of the Board. This announcement comes as part of the organization’s ongoing commitment to support the educational aspirations of the children of Marines and Navy Corpsmen, and it marks an important transition from the previous chairman, General Robert B. Neller, USMC (Ret.), who held the role since 2020.

A Legacy of Service

Lieutenant General Smith brings a wealth of experience to the foundation, having dedicated nearly four decades to the United States Marine Corps. His extensive military career includes pivotal roles, such as the commanding general of I Marine Expeditionary Force (I MEF), which is recognized as the largest Marine Air-Ground Task Force. His previous leadership experience spans from commanding a platoon to serving in senior roles, including commanding officer of Marine reconnaissance and as deputy commander at Regional Command Southwest in Afghanistan.

General Smith expressed his enthusiasm about this new chapter, saying, "It's a privilege to continue serving the Marine Corps community through the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation. The Scholarship Foundation's mission to honor Marines by educating their children embodies the very best of our values. I look forward to working with this dedicated team to advance that mission."

In his position as chairman, LtGen Smith will take on an essential role in guiding the strategic direction of the organization, working closely with the President and CEO to shape priorities, enhance performance, and push forward critical strategic initiatives. This collaborative approach aims to bolster the organization’s capabilities in fulfilling its mission.

Building Stronger Connections

One of LtGen Smith’s key responsibilities will be acting as a prominent ambassador for the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation. He will work diligently to foster strong relationships with donors, Marine Corps leadership, and community partners, aiming to enhance support for the Foundation's objectives.

The transition comes at a time when MCSF is looking to build on its success. Under General Neller’s guidance, the organization has expanded its reach and impact, creating more educational opportunities for the children of those who have served. The outgoing chairman praised the Foundation’s vision and acknowledged the importance of having dedicated leaders to steer its mission forward.

Colonel Ted Probert, USMC (Ret.) and current President and CEO of MCSF, emphasized the organization's gratitude for General Neller's service: "We are deeply grateful to General Neller for his years of dedicated service and leadership. We are equally honored to welcome Lieutenant General Smith as chairman. His commitment to Marines and their families will help propel our mission forward."

Impacting Lives Through Education

Established in 1962, the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation is the oldest and largest provider of need-based educational scholarships for military families in the United States. Since its inception, it has awarded more than 55,000 scholarships worth over $200 million to the children of Marines and Navy Corpsmen, aiding their pursuit of higher education. Just in the past year, MCSF provided 2,886 scholarships totaling more than $12 million, which illustrates its ongoing commitment to educational support.

The scholarships not only honor the sacrifices made by these families but also represent an investment in the future of their children, enabling them to pursue college degrees and vocational training. Recipients of these scholarships come from diverse backgrounds, with representation from all 50 states, 18 overseas bases, and various U.S. territories.

The Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation is actively seeking new ways to innovate and expand its reach, ensuring that the legacy of service and sacrifice within military families continues to inspire future generations. Through the leadership of LtGen Smith, educational dreams and aspirations of those who bear the scars of service will continue to thrive and grow beyond the uniform.

For further information about the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation and its initiatives, please visit www.mcsf.org.