Honoring Service and Leadership: The Major Brent Taylor Foundation Legacy Leadership Scholarship at Utah State University
A decorated Army Major, devoted husband and father, and dedicated public servant, Brent’s legacy of leadership continues through the Major Brent Taylor Foundation. His life was a profound example of service.
Brent Taylor was an inspirational leader whose life was defined by public service, deep patriotism, and an unwavering belief in the transformative power of education.
A decorated Army Major, devoted husband and father, and dedicated public servant, Brent’s legacy of leadership continues through the Major Brent Taylor Foundation. In partnership with Utah State University, the foundation has established the Major Brent Taylor Foundation Legacy Leadership Scholarship Endowment to support students participating in government internships through USU’s Institute of Government and Politics.
“Brent was a big believer in paying it forward,” said Jennie Taylor, ’06 MEd, Brent’s widow and founder of the foundation. “He grew up in a home where higher education wasn’t guaranteed, but he worked hard to earn his degrees and was always grateful for the doors that education opened. He wanted others to have that same chance.”
The scholarship will provide real-world experience for students pursuing internships at the local, state, or federal level — opportunities that prepare the next generation of public leaders. Recipients will be recognized as Major Brent Taylor Leadership Legacy Scholars — a fitting tribute to a man who led by example and embodied the ideals of servant leadership.
“This is the first scholarship our foundation has created at a university Brent didn’t personally attend, and we couldn’t be more thrilled to partner with Utah State,” said Jennie, who earned her master’s in instructional technology from USU and now serves as an adjunct professor in the Jon M. Huntsman School of Business. “As parents of seven children, Brent and I deeply believed in the power of education to shape future leaders. USU shares that commitment, and we know this scholarship will help keep Brent’s legacy alive in students who choose to serve their communities and their country.”
Through the Institute of Government and Politics, USU students gain valuable hands-on experience in public policy and civic engagement. Internships, policy forums, and networking events with political leaders give students the tools to contribute meaningfully to society. The Major Brent Taylor Foundation Legacy Leadership Scholarship will make these experiences more accessible to students who are passionate about service and leadership.
“Brent always said education was about more than earning a degree — it was about preparing to make a difference,” Jennie added. “This scholarship is about removing barriers and giving students the opportunity to lead, just as Brent did.”
Brent Taylor’s life was a profound example of service. From his mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Brazil, to his leadership as Mayor of North Ogden, and ultimately his sacrifice in Afghanistan, Brent lived by the principle that leadership means lifting others. He earned a bachelor’s in political science from Brigham Young University, a master’s in public administration from the University of Utah, and was nearing completion of a doctoral dissertation in political science when he was killed in action in 2018 during his fourth deployment with the Utah Army National Guard. He was posthumously awarded his doctorate — a powerful testament to his commitment to education and service.
This scholarship ensures that Brent’s legacy will continue to shape the lives of USU students — those who, like him, strive to balance academic excellence with a deep sense of civic duty.
Earning a degree from Utah State opens a world of promise and potential. Your support helps students thrive — engaging in impactful research, building communities, gaining career-shaping experiences, and meeting essential needs along the way.
As parents of seven children (pictured here), Brent and Jennie deeply believed in the power of education to shape future leaders. In partnership with USU, the Major Brent Taylor foundation has established the Major Brent Taylor Foundation Legacy Leadership Scholarship Endowment to support students participating in government internships through USU’s Institute of Government and Politics.
Major Brent Taylor with his wife, Jennie Taylor, on their wedding day. Jennie said that Brent was a big believer in paying it forward and was always grateful for the doors that education opened in his life.
Brent earned a bachelor’s in political science from Brigham Young University, a master’s in public administration from the University of Utah, and was nearing completion of a doctoral dissertation in political science when he was killed in action in 2018 during his fourth deployment with the Utah Army National Guard.
The Major Brent Taylor Foundation Legacy Leadership Scholarship Endowment will provide real-world experience for students pursuing internships at the local, state, or federal level — opportunities that prepare the next generation of public leaders. Recipients will be recognized as Major Brent Taylor Leadership Legacy Scholars.
Contact
Karah Altman
Senior Director, Strategic Initiatives and Campaign Operations
214-683-3632
Karah.altman@usu.edu