Axxess Endows Largest Computer Science Scholarship in UT Dallas History
February 3, 2020
AXXESS, A DALLAS-BASED health care technology company founded by CEO John Olajide BS’04, has created a new endowed scholarship for students in the Erik Jonsson School of Engineering and Computer Science. The company’s gift of $500,000 established the Axxess Scholars Program, the largest scholarship program for computer science students in the University’s history.
Axxess is one of the fastest-growing health care companies in the country. The seeds of the idea that would become Axxess were planted during Olajide’s time at UT Dallas. While working as an independent IT consultant to pay for his tuition, Olajide saw ways to increase efficiency at the home health companies he supported. His entrepreneurial drive, fostered during his years in the Jonsson School, helped Olajide realize his vision with the founding of Axxess in 2007.
“Axxess wouldn’t exist if not for the education I received through the Jonsson School,” said Olajide, who was named a UT Dallas Distinguished Alumnus in 2016 and is a current member of the University’s Executive Board. “One of the core values at our company is giving back to the community, so it is a natural choice for Axxess to provide the funding necessary to reward and help future computer science students at the University.” Olajide hopes that the Axxess Scholars Program will attract top technical talent to UT Dallas and the North Texas region, while financially supporting the aspirations of students in need.
“The Jonsson School has done a tremendous job of developing computer science and engineering talent that strengthens the Dallas-Fort Worth region’s improving technology community, and we are honored to make our contribution to ensuring that will continue.”
— John Olajide BS’04
Dr. Stephanie Adams, who recently became the Jonsson School’s fifth dean, recognized the historic nature of Axxess’ gift and the benefit it will have for generations of students.
“The Jonsson School provides a vibrant and enriching environment to nurture future leaders in the STEM fields,” Adams said. “This unprecedented support from Axxess helps signal that our talented students, and the impact they make in their communities, are worth investing in. I am grateful to Axxess for their partnership in securing a bright tomorrow for our students.”
In honor of Axxess’ contributions, the atrium of the new Engineering and Computer Science West building has been named for the company. The Axxess Atrium serves as a dynamic hub for the Jonsson School and provides event space for the UT Dallas community.
As the Axxess Scholars Program serves students in perpetuity, the company will continue its close relationship with the Jonsson School. In addition to holding annual networking events with Axxess scholars, the company will also sponsor five projects in the UTDesign program, a capstone course for Jonsson School seniors that requires students to work in teams on challenges determined by corporate sponsors.
“The Jonsson School has a vision for continuing to provide world-class education to engineering and computer science students,” Olajide said. “We look forward to the Axxess Scholars program playing an important role in that effort.”