Spartan donor Tia Wiggins’ circle of success

Tia Wiggins ’07 once thought philanthropy was only for those who could look back on decades-long careers. Yet, at just 33, she established the Tia S. Wiggins Endowed Scholarship Fund, which has supported 13 students in UNCG’s Bryan School of Business and Economics since 2019. Those students are known as “Tia’s Circle.”  

She says, “Even if you’re not born into philanthropy, you can create a pathway to do it. I believe in seed-planting. You can intentionally change the trajectory of someone’s life with your own resources and make an impact – and you don’t have to be a millionaire or billionaire.”

Wiggins supports students who take ownership in their own success with a balance of academics, financial responsibility, and community leadership. That’s how she describes her own experience as an undergraduate. “I had to hustle in school. I worked the registrar’s office. I tutored students. I babysat on the weekends. And, I became a leader.”

Camiya Royster ’23 is a proud member of “Tia’s Circle.” “It was incredibly meaningful to connect with someone who has given back so generously to the University. Ms. Wiggins’ support has felt so personal, and she is always willing to take the time out to support me.” 

Now, Royster is taking what she learned at the Bryan School and working to make her own impact. “I hope to create opportunities for others to gain control over their financial futures and, one day, give back to my community in a way that reflects the support and guidance I received from Ms. Wiggins.”

Wiggins says, “Scholarships provide encouragement and lighten the financial burden to enable recipients to be more engaged in their college experience. People fundamentally need a support system to include exposure, inspiration, financial assistance, and career pathways.”  

Wiggins hopes to gather all of Tia’s Circle together one day. “The vision is to host a tea party with the scholars, so they can lean into their own ‘agency’ as one powerful group of ladies and inspire each other to build a bigger vision,” she says. “I have seen their passion, and I cannot wait to see where life takes them.”

By Mercer Bufter ’11 MA
Photo courtesy of Tia Wiggins