A longtime partner of the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Regal has awarded scholarships to students since 2010. Now, the entertainment group is increasing its contribution by providing this cohort’s students with a $10,000 scholarship.
Representatives of Regal joined university leaders Oct. 21 to celebrate the 2025-26 Regal Scholars, the program’s 16th cohort, in the Student Union.
Regal, a subsidiary of Regal Cineworld Group, opened in Knoxville in 1989 and has grown into a leading entertainment company with locations in more than 40 states across the country.
The entertainment powerhouse has awarded more than $1.7 million in scholarships to 290 UT students through Regal Scholars. Showcasing its dedication to the local community, the company established the program to support students specifically from East Tennessee with scholarships in the amount of $2,500.
Now, 20 students—five from each of the four classes—will receive $10,000 toward their education.
“Supporting local students through education is one way we give back to the region that helped build us,” said Eduardo Acuna, CEO of Regal Cineworld Group. “The impact goes beyond financial aid. It’s about creating opportunities and empowering future leaders right here in East Tennessee.”
Robbie Soulier, a fourth-year kinesiology major from Alcoa, Tennessee, shared his gratitude to Regal for the support.
“To everyone at Regal, thank you for investing in students like me and for continuing to support the next class of Regal Scholars,” said Soulier. “Your generosity has made a lasting impact — not just financially, but in the opportunities and confidence it gives us to chase our goals.”
Beyond student scholarships, Regal’s impact can be seen across UT’s campus. The entertainment group established a professorship within the Haslam College of Business and, through its support of UT Athletics, named the Regal Soccer Stadium.
“Regal’s commitment to our students reflects a shared belief in the power of education to transform lives,” said Brian Broyles, UT senior vice chancellor for advancement. “Through this partnership, we’re preparing leaders who will strengthen our communities, drive innovation, and carry forward the Volunteer spirit across our state.”
The 2025-26 Regal Scholars are:
Zainab Abuirqeba, major in psychology
Jannat Bahanni, major in environmental and soil sciences
John Bonner, major in history
Kaylyn Carr, major in psychology
Laura Cooney, major in psychology
Herbert Elliott, major in marketing
Tyla Fee, major in marketing
Dana Gunningham, major in education
Ellie Hatmaker, major in journalism and media
Avery Hopson, major in finance
Pierce Lockhart, major in finance
James Markert, major in psychology
Callie Nicley, major in biological sciences
Mackenzie Rickard, major in nursing
Gerardo Rojas Diaz, major in pre-professional programs
Nevaeh Shipp, major in history
Philip Soulier, major in kinesiology
Esiah Talley, major in political science
Aubrey Truan, major in education
Aidan Webb, major in marketing
