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MSU Distinguished Scholars

The program began with the Ottilie Schillig Leadership Scholarship, endowed by the Schillig Foundation in 1987. The Presidential Endowed Scholarship, established in 2001, is made possible through the generous contributions of several donors. The two programs merged in 2006 to become the Mississippi State University Distinguished Scholars Program.

These prestigious awards, worth approximately $50,000, cover tuition, fees, room and board, and books for four years of undergraduate study. Each student is assigned a mentor who is an outstanding researcher and teacher in the student's field of study. Additionally, each Scholar will be offered assistance in finding a suitable summer research or work internship, or an appropriate travel abroad experience to take place following the student's sophomore or junior year.

Benefits:

Aside from the obvious financial benefits, the Distinguished Scholars Program offers students a wealth of opportunities to grow both in and out of the classroom. The Scholars have monthly meetings, where they meet and interact with guest speakers from business, government, and academia. The annual fall retreat builds group unity. In the spring, a multi-day trip to one of the nation's great cities exposes students to cultural and historical sites. Previous desinations include Memphis, TN, and Washington, DC, where the Scholars had extensive interaction with the Mississippi Congressional Delegation.

Moreover, the program allows students to grow as leaders on campus. Indeed, it is expected that each Scholar will take an active leadership role in some aspect of campus life. Scholars have been presidents of fraternities and sororities, academic clubs, service organizations, and even the Student Association. Many volunteer with organizations in Starkville and other nearby communities. Still others become leading scholars in their fields, participating in research projects alongside MSU faculty. The Scholars' impact is felt across campus and throughout the area.

Important Dates:

• December 1, 2009 - Deadline for online resume submission.
• Early February 2010 - Finalists selected for on-campus interviews and given essay topic.
• Mid February, 2010 - Essays due back from finalists.
• Late February, 2010 - On-campus interviews for finalists. Recipients will be notified by the Scholarship Committee within ten days following the interview.

Distinguished Scholar Alumni

Current Distinguished Scholars

2009 Mississippi State University Distinguished Scholarship Finalists

Technical problems, contact the Help Desk - Last modified: 10/27/2009 02:53:30 pm
Information about Mississippi State University, contact msuinfo@ur.msstate.edu.
URL: http://www.honors.msstate.edu/scholars/