Joseph Wilkins received a $200 scholarship as a high school junior and it changed his life forever. Though the amount was small, it became the impetus of a distinguished career that included military decoration, the rank of captain in the U.S. Air Force, UIS emeritus professorship and an ongoing scholarship for students in the 21st century. In addition to his aforementioned accomplishments, Dr. Wilkins was also involved in national and international business organizations and lectured at professional conferences all over the world including England, Germany, Sweden and France. The Joe Wilkins Veterans Scholarship was established in 2003 and is awarded to graduate or undergraduate Business or Management majors in good academic standing. Preference given to Management majors of merit and financial need is taken into consideration with applicants of equal merit.