THE FALLON CHALLENGE

Rodney J. Fallon Scholarship

Create

Create a 1-minute video that tells us about your business mission and vision

Build

Build your business with the mentorship of faculty, alumni, entrepreneurs, and leaders

Develop

Develop entrepreneurial skills and gain a network to prepare for career endeavors

Pitch

Pitch your business to be named our annual Rodney J. Fallon Scholarship recipient

ABOUT

Rodney J. Fallon

Rodney James Fallon, the father of three JMU College of Business students, was a family man with a strong faith, love of life, entrepreneurial spirit, and work ethic. The Fallon family is proud to honor their beloved father and husband by awarding the Rodney J. Fallon Scholarship to deserving JMU students each year.

THE COMPETITION

Application opens October 2025 and submissions are accepted on a rolling basis through December 5, 2025. Click the Apply Now button to get started (students are encouraged to apply early!).

Application

Oct 2025 - Dec 2025

The Rodney J. Fallon Scholarship is awarded to the winner(s) of The Fallon Challenge; this $2,000 award recognizes the entrepreneurial spirit, passion, drive, and 'up for a challenge' mentality of our recipient.

Scholarship

February 2026

Finalists are invited to compete at The Fallon Challenge, a Shark Tank-style business pitch competition, at the College of Business Learning Complex on February 26, 2026.

Pitch & Presentation

February 2026

Engage in mentorship and coaching meetings with our team of business leaders, entrepreneurs, alumni, former finalists, and faculty to build your business.

Business Development Meetings

Oct 2025- Feb 2026

The Fallon Challenge is the single most rewarding experience that I have been a part of at JMU. From finalist and competitor to student ambassador, it has provided me with direction, new friendships, and preparation for my career goals.

Before this competition our idea was merely research, but The Fallon Challenge sparked our entrepreneurial mindsets and gave us the drive to turn our research into a business

This scholarship has lightened my financial load and boosted my confidence in pursuing my education and entrepreneurial dreams

This scholarship represents more than just financial support for my education; it symbolizes an investment in my aspirations, my new dedication to entrepreneurship, and my commitment to academic excellence.

2026 DETAILS

Application Submissions Accepted on a Rolling Basis | Oct 2025 to Dec 5, 2025

Students are encouraged to engage early to gain the full experience of building a business with faculty, entrepreneur, business leader, and alumni mentorship.

Business Development Meetings | Oct 2025 through Feb 2026

Finalists Announcement | February 16, 2026

Finalist Pizza and Prep Night | February 19, 2026

The Fallon Challenge 2026 | February 26, 2026 at 5:30PM

JMU College of Business Learning Complex, Hartman Hall Room 2021
Open to all majors and grade levels! Compete in teams of 1-2 JMU students – must be a current, full time, undergraduate student. For-profit businesses, non-profit organizations, pre-revenue ideas, and fully operational companies are eligible.
The Rodney J. Fallon Scholarship is a $2,000 award presented to the winner(s) of The Fallon Challenge. Our scholarship recognizes the entrepreneurial spirit, passion, drive, and 'up for a challenge' mentality of the recipient.
1. JMU SMAD student, Molly Johnson, created capSOUL - a children's clothing subscription box that builds a capsule wardrobe with simple pieces that mix and match.

2. JMU Engineering student, Brian Scully, created Pangea Construction Group – a business that specializes in end-to-end decking solutions, building on his passion for design and construction
Finalists pitch in a 7-minute presentation and 3-minute question and answer in a College of Business Learning Complex room full of camaraderie, healthy competition, and fun. Learn more about the selection criteria for this year.
Each year we compose a panel of professionals consisting of distinguished entrepreneurs, business leaders, and alumni ready to engage, invest, and advise our finalists. Former panelists include Sandy Corbett, Chris Davidson, Dawn Striff, Andrew Carlone, and Aaron Ludwig.