History Department Undergraduate
Scholarships and Awards
Bob Baker Scholarship
The Department of History understands that our majors come from diverse socio-economic
backgrounds and 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 overall
GPA of 3.25 or higher. To be eligible for this award, the applicant should include
information in their personal statement that addresses their background and experiences
in higher education with particular attention to the intersection of resources, race,
age, gender, ethnicity, and disability. Award given to the applicant with best combination
of GPA and essay. One award 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 1, 2023
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 1, 2023
For a list of past recipients of the Belle McWilliams Scholarship please click here.
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 1, 2023
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 1, 2023
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 1, 2023
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 1, 2023
For a list of past recipients of the Walter R. Brown Award please click here.
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.