Current Scholarships

ANGELA MARTINEZ AND RAUL CHAVEZ ENDOWED SOCIAL WORK SCHOLARSHIP - No Fund #

The Angela Martinez and Raul Chavez Endowed Social Work Scholarship provides much-needed support to MSW students, with a preference for Hispanic students, with a commitment to mental health. This scholarship should be awarded to students who are high-performing and demonstrate financial need.

ART CLEVELAND PLAY THERAPY ENDOWMENT SCHOLARSHIP - Fund #8557

The Art Cleveland Play Therapy Endowment supports social work students interested in play therapy.

BARBARA WHITE SOCIAL WORK SCHOLARSHIP – Fund #7962

The Barbara White Social Work Scholarship was established in memory of Barbara Williams White, a three-time alumna of the FSU College of Social Work. She also served as a professor and associate dean at the college from 1979 until 1993. The scholarship supports social work students who demonstrate integrity and passion for the profession. Students must have a 3.0 GPA and financial needs.

BERNHARD SCHER UNDERGRADUATE SCHOLARSHIP – Fund #5265

Dr. Scher served as dean of the School of Social Work from 1968-1973 and was a faculty member until his death five years later.   This memorial scholarship, established by the family of Dr. Scher, was first presented in 1978. The undergraduate recipient of this award demonstrates a strong commitment to social work values through actions and words.

BILL AND NOLIA BRANDT SCHOLARSHIP – Fund #7526

This scholarship is awarded to undergraduate or graduate students with good academic standing, high moral character, and demonstrated financial need. Students pursuing a dual MSW/MBA degree or the LEAD certificate are encouraged to apply.

C. AARON MCNEECE ENDOWED FIELD EDUCATION SCHOLARSHIP – Fund #7175

Created by the College's Field Advisory Committee, this scholarship honors its namesake, Dr. McNeece, who served as a College of Social Work faculty member for 30 years. He held various leadership positions in the college and was the dean from 2004 until his retirement in 2008. Dr. McNeece has received international recognition for his work in chemical dependency and treatment for criminal offenders. This award is intended to support BSW and MSW students during their internships.

CENTER FOR THE STUDY AND PROMOTION OF COMMUNITIES, FAMILIES AND CHILDREN ASSISTANTSHIP - Fund #8510S

Created thanks to the generosity of Jeff and Aggie Stoops, the Center for the Study and Promotion of Communities, Families and Children provides opportunities for Social Work students the opportunity to work with the center to generate and sustain transformational knowledge development for effective policies, services and usable research for the promotion of communities, families, and children in Florida, the nation, and across the globe.

CHERYL ROLAND ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP – Fund # 7240

Cherie Rowland established this scholarship, first awarded in 2013. Cherie is an alumna and a strong advocate for women. Graduate students interested in women's issues are eligible for this award. 

CHRISTOPHER D. HEFREN CHILD WELFARE ENDOWED DOCTORAL SCHOLARSHIP – Fund #8285

This scholarship is a lasting tribute to donor Judy Hefren's son, Christopher. It supports doctoral candidates whose primary research focus is Child Welfare.

CITRUS HEALTH NETWORK SCHOLARSHIP – Fund #5286

Established in 2002, this scholarship serves as a lasting tribute to the community services provided by Citrus Health Network, Inc. It is awarded annually to graduate students interested in working in the behavioral healthcare field in the Miami-Dade County area.

COYLE & MABEL MOORE SCHOLARSHIP – Fund #5261

Dr. Coyle Moore came to Tallahassee in 1928 to develop a course of instruction in social work at the Florida State College for Women (FSCW). When FSCW became a University in 1947, Dr. Moore was appointed dean of the School of Social Welfare. Mrs. Moore, who had a degree in social work from the University of North Carolina, was an active advocate of community service. This award, created in honor of Mr. and Mrs. Moore, supports full-time undergraduate and graduate students who demonstrate a commitment to the social work profession through strong character and service.

DAVID L. ALBRIGHT SOCIAL WORK ENDOWED DOCTORAL SCHOLARSHIP – Fund #8416

This scholarship supports Ph.D. students committed to contributing to the research and scholarship on military or veteran-connected populations.

DELIA SANCHEZ SOCIAL WORK SCHOLARSHIP - Fund #9258S

Delia Sanchez Social Work Scholarship in memory of Delia Sanchez, the Delia Sanchez Social Work Scholarship will serve as a lasting tribute to her commitment as a public servant and lover of all people. Her passion for social work and impact on preschool-aged children through Head Start. The award should be awarded to social work majors focused on child welfare. All eligible students may apply and will be fully considered. Preference will be given to Hispanic/Latinx applicants, consistent with the donor's intent and by applicable University policies, regulations, and federal and state law. This scholarship will be awarded to a student in good academic standing who demonstrates financial need.

DIANNE F. HARRISON MONTGOMERY AWARD – Fund # 5257

Her friends and former colleagues created the Dianne F. Harrison award in honor of former PhD Program Director and Dean Dr. Dianne F. Harrison. This competitive award is given to doctoral students with the best dissertation prospectus.

DIANNE F. HARRISON AWARD – Fund #9227

The Dianne F. Harrison award was created in honor of former PhD Program Director and Dean Dr. Dianne F. Harrison. This competitive award is given to doctoral students with the best dissertation prospectus.

DONALD J. HEVEY MEMORIAL MSW SCHOLARSHIP – Fund #9227

The Donald J. Hevey Memorial MSW Scholarship will support an MSW student interested in community behavioral health. This award is intended to support students who are high performing and demonstrate financial need. 

GENERAL SCHOLARSHIPS – Fund #7526

This fund is available for students who may not qualify for other scholarships the college offers. It is intended to support high-performing students and students who demonstrate financial need.

GOMORY FAMILY SCHOLARSHIP FOR HOMELESS SERVICES – Fund #7526

The Gomory Family Scholarship for Homeless Services is awarded to students committed to working with the poor and the homeless.

GRACE ANN GRADUATE ASSISTANTSHIP - Fund #9002S

The Grace Ann Graduate Assistantship will support full-time MSW students with a proven commitment to criminal justice or women's issues. This award is intended to support high-performing students and demonstrate financial need. Preference is given to students who have practiced in the field and are committed to criminal justice or women's issues.

GUY & DELORES SPEARMAN SCHOLARSHIP – Fund # 5251

This scholarship was created by 1975 MSW Alumnus Guy Spearman and his wife to support exemplary undergraduate and graduate social work students who come to FSU from Brevard County, Florida. Mr. Spearman is well-known as a legislative lobbyist and an enthusiastic supporter of FSU.

HERNDON SCHOLARS PROGRAM – Fund # 5300

The Herndon Scholars Program is sponsored by the Helios Education Foundation, which created the scholarship in 2007. It was first awarded in the Fall of 2008. It provides annual scholarships to graduate students in the College of Social Work. Recipients must be MSW or Ph.D. students who are also Florida residents. Preference is given to students who have practiced in the field of social work before graduate school.

JAMES & MARY KOALSKA UNDERGRADUATE SCHOLARSHIP – Fund  #5260

Professors Paul and Betty Piccard established this memorial scholarship in memory of Bettyʼs parents, James Koalska and Mary Brennan Koalska. The Koalskas were the children of Irish and Polish immigrants who entered the workforce very young. While they could not benefit from a college education themselves, they valued education. They provided their daughters with opportunities in higher education – one in nursing, the other in social work. This award covers tuition for a social work undergraduate student whose parents did not attend college.

JANE ADDAMS SCHOLARSHIP – Fund #8689

This scholarship, established in 2018, supports students in the College of Social Work who are enrolled full-time, in good academic standing, and demonstrate financial need.

JIM CLARK CSW LEADERSHIP SCHOLARSHIP – Fund #9226

This scholarship, established in 2018, supports students in the College of Social Work who are enrolled full-time, in good academic standing, and demonstrate financial need.

JOANNA F. GORMAN SCHOLARSHIP – Fund #5256

The Joanna F. Gorman scholarship was established to honor Dr. Gorman, who had a deep commitment to the profession's development and a clear vision of social workʼs mission to create a more just society. Full-time social work students receiving this award show evidence of outstanding academic achievement, exemplify the highest standards of character and plan to work for one year in child welfare, health, or mental health.

JOHN & MEG PASCHAL INTERNATIONAL SCHOLARSHIP – Fund #8055

This scholarship is available to Social Work students who are studying abroad. Eligible recipients must have a 3.0 grade point average or higher, a passion for the profession, and demonstrated financial need.

JOHN P. & JANE W. WAKEMAN MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP FOR ARTS IN SOCIAL WORK – Fund #5278

Mary Wakeman established this scholarship to honor her parents, John and Jane. BSW and MSW students who expressed interest in studying and practicing the arts in social work are eligible for this award.

JOYCE HARPER LAIDLAW SCHOLARSHIP IN CHILD WELFARE – Fund #5284

First presented in 2003, the Laidlaw Scholarship was established by FSU alumna Joyce Harper Laidlaw and her husband, Don. This award is intended to support graduate students who have decided to focus their studies on child welfare.

KAREN OEHME ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP IN THE INSTITUTE FOR FAMILY VIOLENCE STUDIES – Fund #8632           

The Karen Oehme Endowed scholarship is awarded to students who work at the Institute for Family Violence Studies.

KATHERINE KOLE MSW SCHOLARSHIP - Fund #9251

Katherine Kole MSW Scholarship will be awarded to a Master of Social Work, on-campus student. Preference is given to single-parent MSW students. This scholarship will be given to a College of Social Work student enrolled full-time in the MSW on-campus program, in good academic standing and demonstrating financial need.

LAMAR F. EVERETT SCHOLARSHIP – Fund #7269   

This scholarship was established as a bequest from Mr. Everettʼs estate in 2009. The award is intended to support undergraduate and graduate students in the College of Social Work who are economically disadvantaged and academically worthy.

MACDILL-WOLD UNCONQUERED SCHOLARSHIP ENDOWMENT – Fund #8977

The scholarship supports social work students who have experienced foster care, homelessness, relative care, or ward of the State status or are completing internships in child welfare or pediatrics.

MARK DEGRAFF & LULA HAMILTON DEGRAFF SCHOLARSHIP – Fund # 0553

This award, first presented in 1985, is given to a senior undergraduate or graduate student who intends to research factors influencing youth growth and development or who wants to work professionally with youth.

MARGARET H. JACKS SCHOLARSHIP IN AGING – Fund #5259

For more than five decades, Ms. Jacks was a formidable and outspoken advocate for elderly Floridians. This scholarship is for graduate students studying gerontology. Recipients must have completed one course on aging or demonstrated a commitment to the field of aging through volunteer or work experiences.

MARY DINITTO ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP – Fund #7437

Dr. Diana DiNitto (MSW' 74) established the Mary DiNitto Endowed Scholarship in honor of her mother's 90th birthday. This generous gift supports students in the College of Social Work with strong interests in the profession and creative ideas for practice broadly defined. Preference will be given to students with financial needs.  

MAURA'S VOICE RESEARCH FUND AWARD - Fund #8709S

Maura's Voice Research Fund provides undergraduate research opportunities for Tri-Delta students to work with researchers on reducing violence and responding to the complex causes and effects of firearm violence, especially the interacting phenomena of gun violence and psychiatric illness, thanks to the generosity of Jeff Binkley. Maura's Voice Research Fund will look for new approaches to forensic evaluation, management, treatment, and prevention strategies, while supporting sound policy development and implementation.

MSW CLASS OF ʼ75 MARCH GRADUATES SCHOLARSHIP – Fund #5279

In March 2000, attendees shared stories about their lives during a class reunion. They recognized the defining influence FSU had on their successes. This award was created to support full-time MSW students interested in community-based practice, advocacy, or public policy. Eligible students must also have a demonstrated commitment to social justice concerns.

PATRICIA VANCE SCHOLARSHIP – Fund #5293

Ms. Patricia V. ("Pat") Vance, MSW, served on the FSU College of Social Work faculty from 1966-1986, supporting students and faculty. She worked to promote the profession through her service and teaching. Upon retirement, she and her husband, Dr. Maurice Vance, established this scholarship for students returning to school to forward their professional careers in social work. MSW and Ph.D. students in the College of Social Work are eligible for this award. Academic achievement, financial need, and dedication to the field are considered when selecting recipients.

RICHARD M. KING SCHOLARSHIP IN SOCIAL WORK & BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION – Fund #5280

This scholarship was established by alumnus Richard King (MSW ʼ69) to encourage graduate students interested in earning both an MSW and a Masterʼs in Business Administration (MBA) degree. Social work students who take electives in the College of Business are also eligible for this award.

ROBERT P. HURRLE DOCTORAL SCHOLARSHIP – Fund #5289

Selected by the director of the PhD Program, this scholarship is awarded to full-time doctoral students who are newly entering the program. Academic excellence and dedication to evidence-based social work are considered during selection, with priority given to students interested in working with the aged or veterans.

ROBERT P. HURRLE SCHOLARSHIP FUND – Fund #5282

This scholarship supports Social Work students completing field internships in a foreign country or studying abroad.

SARAH SEALEY MORRILL SCHOLARSHIP – Fund #5258

This scholarship is a tribute to Sarah Sealey Morrillʼs lifelong commitment to community mental health services. It is intended for undergraduate and graduate students specializing in community mental health. Mrs. Morrill graduated from the FSU School of Social Work in 1955. She was a pioneering activist who planned and established counseling and guidance services for children in Leon County. Later, she assumed leadership roles in planning and managing programs for the elderly.

SPEARMAN SOCIAL WORK VETERAN SUPPORT SCHOLARSHIP – Fund #7991

This scholarship is intended to support student veterans in the College of Social Work, including student veterans and spouses of veterans in Brevard County, Florida. Eligible recipients should be pursuing research on military service members, veterans, or their families and communities.

SPEARMAN SOCIAL WORK VETERAN MSW FIELD SCHOLARSHIP – Fund #7991

This scholarship is intended to support MSW students in the College of Social Work who are also veterans. Eligible recipients must be completing their MSW field placement to qualify for the award.

VICTORIA E. WARNER SCHOLARSHIP- Fund #5271

This scholarship was established to honor Dr. Victoria Warner, a long-time faculty member and Chair of the Department of Social Work at Florida A & M University in Tallahassee.   Full-time junior or senior-level undergraduate students are eligible for this award.

VIOLET CROOK SCHOLARSHIP – Fund #5299

Dr. Wendy Crook, a former professor in the College of Social Work, created the endowment in 2006 to support doctoral students. Sadly, Dr. Crook passed away in 2007 before her pledge could be fulfilled. When her mother passed in 2012, the pledge was fulfilled five years later. This scholarship honors Dr. Crook and her love for College and Social Work. It is intended to support doctoral students who seek to contribute to the body of knowledge on women's issues in the macro social environment.

WALTER W. HUDSON DOCTORAL SCHOLARSHIP – Fund #5291

Dr. Walter Hudson was a former faculty member named the first recipient of the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award from the Society of Social Work & Research in 1999. Dr. Hudson was an international leader in measurement theory, development and testing of assessment and outcome evaluation tools, statistics, evidence-based practice methodology, and computer applications for practice. This award is intended to support Ph.D. students at the College of Social Work.

WILLIAM LLOYD GARRISON MSW ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP - Fund #9257

The William Lloyd Garrison MSW Endowed scholarship will support deserving MSW students in perpetuity with first preference for this scholarship given to an Eagle Scout or Boy Scout with financial need regardless of gender. The scholarship also will support students who demonstrate leadership experience and has financial need. It was established to honor William Lloyd Garrison's life of service to the Boy Scouts and will serve as a lasting tribute to his vision and commitment to leadership. Garrison earned a bachelor's degree in psychology from Ohio Wesleyan University in 1962. earned his MSW degree at Florida State University in 1967. He continued his academic efforts at Case Western Reserve University, where he graduated in 1976 with a master's degree in management. William enjoyed a fulfilling and multifaceted social work and nonprofit management career spanning more than four decades.