SCHOLARSHIPS
Thomas A. Shearer Scholarship in Environmental Studies
This $1500 scholarship was established in 2009 by Thomas A. Shearer who graduated from UIS (then Sangamon State) with a BA in Environment and People. Because Mr. Shearer has a great concern for students working toward their bachelor’s degree, this scholarship is for students with an full or part time Environmental Studies minor, with demonstrated financial need and at least a 3.0 GPA.
Environmental Studies Alumni Award
Established in 1997 by alumni, faculty, and students, this $700 scholarship is available to graduate students in our department who are enrolled in at least four credit hours. Applicants must have a GPA of at least 3.0.
Luther W. Skelton Endowment for Energy Policy and Energy Research
Dr. Luther Skelton came to UIS in 1978 (when we were then Sangamon State) after previously serving as the director of the Coastal Zone Management Program in Florida and the director of planning for the Missouri State Department of Natural Resources. While at UIS Dr. Skelton authored The Solar Hydrogen Energy Economy, and was sponsor, presenter, and author of many articles, research projects, and papers on the subjects of climate change, solar energy, and energy policy. The $200 awards, one per semester, are open to application by any ENS graduate student who has defended his/her thesis or graduate project proposal in the area of energy policy or research. To apply, students should submit a copy of the approved proposal, letter of recommendation from the committee chair, and a letter of intent that includes a brief discussion of the research and its significance, why receipt of the award is necessary for the success of the research, and an itemized budget. These materials should be sent to the ENS department chair.
Mary and Nelson Howarth Scholarships
Nelson Howarth was a respected Springfield attorney and three-term mayor who was instrumental in convincing the Illinois General Assembly to establish our campus. These merit-based $1100 are renewable and are awarded annually to students in Environmental Studies or one of four other majors.
Dr. John H. and Mary Weller Rendok Scholarship
This merit-based and need-based scholarship for $1000 is awarded to a student in the College of Public Affairs and Administration, but preference is given to students in Political Science.
Elaine Marie Kracaw Scholarship for Returning Students
This $1000 award is given annually to a College of Public Affairs and Administration undergraduate who has returned to college after an educational hiatus. Awardees must be enrolled in at least four credit hours and have a GPA of at least 3.5.
Many other scholarships and awards exist at UIS, with selection criteria ranging from residency, previous schools attended, extracurricular activities, and background to financial need and academic excellence. All scholarships, including those not need-based, require completion of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid and the UIS Scholarship Application. The deadline for all of these scholarships is February 15 of each year. Students can apply for scholarships in February even if they will not enroll at UIS until the following fall semester. For information on these and many other scholarships, visit http://www.uis.edu/financialaid/scholarships/
