So you think you have to be a straight-A student in order to qualify for a scholarship? Think again.

The Division of Student Affairs awards a variety of scholarships each year based on an array of qualifications and interests. A 4.0 grade point average is not necessary to apply.

Student Affairs applications currently open for submission:

• Linda Overstreet Scholarship – through March 31
• Henry Woods Student Leadership Award – through March 10
• PRIDE in Education Scholarship – through Feb. 24
• Rickey Medlock and Scott Heffington PRIDE in Education Scholarship – through Feb. 24
• Nola Holt Royster Scholarship – through 10- April 1

While good academic standing is required for the scholarships, many of them recognize other qualities such as leadership, student involvement and community service. Another consideration for the scholarships may include financial need as a criterion.

For the first semester of this academic year, the Division of Student Affairs has awarded more than $87,500 to qualifying students. Last year, more than $100,000 in Student Affairs scholarships were distributed.

Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs Charles Robinson encourages students to take advantage of these opportunities.

"We are thrilled to be able to offer scholarships and very grateful to have donors who generously support our students," Robinson said.

One of those students who have been the beneficiary of this generosity is University senior Shannon Hart.

"I'm very thankful to have received the P.R.I.D.E. Scholarship," Hart said.

Hart is working on her degree in psychology, with a minor in human development and family sciences. She currently works at Springwoods Behavioral Health, where she mentors suicidal and mentally ill patients and helps them recover. 

"My career goal is to work with troubled adolescents, especially LGBTQ-plus teens," she said. "My scholarship has helped me to continue my education in order to become a clinical psychologist to serve these at-risk youths." 

Hart said the scholarship was the difference in being able to afford her education and being forced to postpone it in order to work two jobs to earn her tuition.

Student Affairs Director of Development Sue Harris said keeping this added pressure off students, who may also be in leadership roles, is a major scholarship objective.

"We are very thankful to the many alumni, staff and friends who have made scholarship donations. Without their support, we would not be able to present so many awards and scholarships to deserving students," Harris said. "This financial support is making a difference in helping students earn their degree while serving as leaders on campus."

Many of the scholarships list leadership as a criterion for the recipients, so in winning a scholarship, a student can actually become eligible for additional awards.

University senior Christopher Main is the recipient of multiple scholarships, including the Military Service Members' Scholarship and the Military Book Scholarship. He said there is no doubt that the scholarships have helped him maintain a 3.98 grade point average.

"I am very grateful to the scholarship donors who are buying us time," Main said. "Instead of having to work a minimum wage job, a scholarship allows us to spend extra time in academic pursuits."

Main, who also volunteers at Habitat for Humanity, is a political science major and a philosophy minor. He served in the Marine Corps for five years before starting his education. He plans to pursue his master's degree and is looking toward a career in higher education or public service.

In awarding the scholarships, the Division of Student Affairs is guided by the wishes of the scholarship donors. Some of the scholarships focus on merit and some on need. Award amounts range from $50 to full tuition. The amount and number of recipients varies each year based on the applicant pool and other factors.

In addition to these scholarships awarded by the Division of Student Affairs, there are many additional scholarship opportunities offered university-wide and through the various academic divisions.  

Scholarships help ensure student success and with so many possibilities, doesn't it make sense to take the time and fill out an application? You'll never become a recipient if you don't apply. Give yourself an academic edge and find out which scholarship is right for you!