History Department Undergraduate Scholarships and Awards

Awards that require application through the History Department.

Janann M. Sherman Undergraduate Award for the Study of Women's History

Dr. Janann Sherman was a beloved professor and longtime Chair in the Department of History. Dr. Sherman wrote extensively on the lives and experiences of American women and was a tireless advocate for faculty and students alike. The Janann Sherman award is given to an undergraduate history major or minor of at least sophomore standing (30 completed credits) with a minimum overall GPA of 3.25 that demonstrates interest in the history of women, gender, and/or the family. Applicants will need to submit a statement of purpose of roughly 500 words that details their demonstrated commitment to the study of women, gender, and the family through coursework, research, and/or community action. Applicants will also need to submit a letter of recommendation from a history faculty member. Award given to the applicant with the best combination of GPA and essay. One award in the amount of $500 will be granted each spring semester.
Applications will be received and processed by the Department of History. Click here for the application form and submission directions.
Deadline: February 1st.

For a list of past recipients of the Janann M. Sherman Undergraduate Award for the Study of Women's History please click here.

Major L. Wilson Undergraduate Paper Prize

The Major Wilson Undergraduate Paper Prize is awarded to the best long essay submitted to the Department of History during the current academic year (fall/spring cycle). The paper can originate from a course paper-prompt or represent original research conducted by an undergraduate. The primary criteria for determining the best paper will be: 1. originality of thought and analysis 2. use of primary and secondary sources, and 3. fluidity of prose. Students may submit a paper for consideration or be nominated by supervising faculty members. Both kinds of applications will receive equal attention, but we encourage students to contact and cooperate with supervising faculty on the application. One award in the amount of $500 will be given each spring semester.
Applications will be received and processed by the Department of History. Click here for the application form and submission directions.
Deadline: February 1st.

For a list of past recipients of the Major L. Wilson Undergraduate Paper Price please click here.

Kell F. Mitchell Memorial Award

Dr. Kell Mitchell was a professor in the Department of History for 45 years, serving as undergraduate adviser for 20 of those years. He taught courses on diplomatic history, the Vietnam War, and social and gender history, and was dedicated to academic and civic principles. The Kell Mitchell award is given to the undergraduate history major or minor of at least junior standing (60 completed credits) with a minimum overall GPA of 3.25 that demonstrates an academic interest and/or participation in issues of social justice. Applicants will need to submit a statement of purpose of roughly 500 words that details their demonstrated commitment to issues of social justice. Award given to the applicant with the best combination of GPA and essay. One award in the amount of $500 will be granted each spring semester.
Applications will be received and processed by the Department of History. Click here for the application form and submission directions.
Deadline: February 1st.

For a list of past recipients of the Kell F. Mitchell Memorial Award please click here.

Walter R. Brown Award

Dr. Walter (Bob) Brown was a professor in the Department of History for 46 years. Dr. Brown was a gifted teacher and advisor of undergraduate students who taught wide ranging courses on the history, culture, and art of early modern Europe. The Walter Brown Award is given to the history major or minor of senior standing (90 completed credits) with a minimum overall GPA of 3.25 who plans a career teaching elementary or secondary students in the discipline of history. Applicants will need to submit a statement of purpose of roughly 500 words that details their background preparation and future plans for teaching elementary or secondary students. Award given to the applicant with the best combination of GPA and essay. One award in the amount of $500 will be granted each spring semester.
Applications will be received and processed by the Department of History. Click here for the application form and submission directions.
Deadline: February 1st.

For a list of past recipients of the Walter R. Brown Award please click here.

Winners of all these awards are determined by committees comprised of faculty in the Department of History and assigned by the chair of the Awards Committee.

Please contact Dr. Dennis Laumann, chair of the Awards Committee (dlaumann@memphis.edu), and/or Dr. Bejamin Graham, Director of Undergraduate Studies (bjgraham@memphis.edu) if you have any questions about these awards.

Awards that require applications via the Tiger Scholarship Manager.

Bob Baker Scholarship

The Department of History seeks to recognize majors who have overcome significant financial barriers to achieve academic success. The Bob Baker Scholarship is awarded to history majors of junior or senior standing (61 or more completed credit hours) with an overall GPA of 3.25 or higher. To be eligible for this award, the applicant should include information in their personal statement addressing their background and higher education experiences. The award is given to the applicant with the best combination of GPA and essay. One award in the amount range of $2000 - $2500, based on the availability of funds, will be given each spring semester.
This scholarship is processed through Tiger Scholarship Manager; click here to apply.

For a list of past recipients of the Bob Baker Scholarship, please click here.

Belle McWilliams Scholarship

In 1978 the Schultz family created an endowment to honor Belle McWilliams, who taught American History in Memphis Public Schools for 40 years. The Belle McWilliams scholarships, paid from this endowment, honor exemplary history majors who exhibit aptitude and interest in American history. The Department of History will award up to two Belle McWilliams scholarships per year, one reserved for students studying African-American history and one reserved for those studying general topics in American history. Applicants should have an overall GPA of 3.25 and have at least sophomore standing (31 credit hours). To demonstrate an academic focus in either African-American or general American history, applicants must include a list of completed or in-progress American history courses as well as a description of the topics and themes most intellectually appealing to the candidate (roughly 500 words). Award given to the applicant with best combination of GPA and essay. Two awards in the amount range of $2000 - $2500, based on availability of funds, will be given each spring semester.
This scholarship is processed through Tiger Scholarship Manager; click here to apply.
Deadline: February 1st.

For a list of past recipients of the Belle McWilliams Scholarship please click here.

Winners of all these awards are determined by committees comprised of faculty in the Department of History and assigned by the chair of the Awards Committee.
Please contact Dr. Dennis Laumann, chair of the Awards Committee (dlaumann@memphis.edu), and/or Dr. Bejamin Graham, Director of Undegraduate Studies (bjgraham@memphis.edu) if you have any questions about these awards

Matthew Seth McGaughran Scholarship

The recipients of this scholarship shall be qualified and deserving students enrolled at The University of Memphis.  Scholarship recipients shall be students pursuing a degree in History, Sociology, or Geography through the College of Arts and Sciences, have a minimum ACT score of 23, or a grade point average of 3.00.  Preference will be given to high-ability students with a demonstrated financial need. https://www.memphis.edu/cas/scholarships/college-scholarships.php
This scholarship is processed through Tiger Scholarship Manager; click here to apply.
Deadline: February 1st.

Winners of this award are determined by a committee comprised of faculty in the College of Arts and Sciences and assigned by the Director of Interdisciplinary Studies.
Please contact Dr. Ron Serino, Director of Interdisciplinary Studies (rserino@memphis.edu), if you have any questions about these awards.

Awards with recipients selected by the Undergraduate Awards Committee.

Undergraduate History Internship Award

The Department of History is committed to providing students with enriching educational experiences both inside and outside of the classroom. In order to encourage students to take advantage of these outside experiences, the department awards up to three $2000 awards per year to students who seek out and complete an approved internship experience. Priority will be given to students who plan to complete an internship of at least 150 hours in a position that promotes their personal and professional development in, or related to, the field of history. Funds will be disbursed upon completion of internship hours with site supervisor verification.
Application form required, please click here for the application. Please also contact Dr. Chrystal Goudsouzian (cdykes@memphis.edu) to complete additional internship program paperwork.
Deadlines: September 1 for Fall semester internships; February 1 for Spring; June 1 for Summer.

History Department Undergraduate Travel Grant

The Department of History is committed to assisting students with their academic research and scholarly development. Current history majors are eligible for travel funding to complete original research in an archive or to present their work at an academic conference. Up to one grant in the amount of $500 can be awarded each semester.
Application form and budget required, please click here for the application form.
Deadlines: September 1 for Fall research or conferences; February 1 for Spring; June 1 for Summer.

Winners of all the awards are determined by committees comprised of faculty in the Department of History and assigned by the Director of Undergraduate Studies.

Please contact Dr. Benjamin Graham, Director of Undergraduate Studies, if you have any questions about these awards.