Graduate Scholarships

Graduate students may apply for the following scholarships through the Pioneer Scholarship System.

Dr. Helen Benjamin Scholarship

While the application process will be open to B.A., M.A. and Ph.D. students, preference will go to an African American doctoral student with financial need and a minimum GPA of 3.0. Applicants must include two letters of reference (one from a professor and one from a personal knowledgeable of applicant’s interests and achievements—not a family member) and a 700 word essay outlining career goals and scholarship worthiness.

Bruce Family Memorial Endowment Scholarship

Designated for graduate students in the ESFL department who are native Texans (born in Texas) and who are studying American literature, the scholarship may be renewed yearly. Applicants must fill out the additional form and submit writing sample related to the study of American literature. Awards will be decided according to the number and qualifications of those in the applicant pool and may be applied to living expenses as well as tuition, fees and books. May be renewed, with application, providing the applicant is making satisfactory progress.

Dr. John L. Dawson, Sr. Endowed Scholarship

An anticipated two awards to full-time or part-time graduate students who are pursuing the PhD in Rhetoric. The applicant must submit a paper written since the last awarding of this scholarship or a dissertation prospectus.

Edith and Edgar Deen Scholarship

An anticipated two or three awards to full-time English majors with a GPA of 3.0 or better. Applicants should attach a brief artist's statement reflecting on the piece of creative work submitted. A manuscript of appropriate length must be submitted in one of the following categories:

1. Short story
2. Novel: Outline and one chapter for a novella or full-length novel
3. Poetry: Three short lyrics (100 lines or fewer altogether) or one longer poem  of at least 100 lines
4. Expository prose (may include essays, reviews, and reports)
5. Drama: One-act play or one act of a full-length play accompanied by an outline of the full play
6. Detailed script for documentary or drama for radio or television

Lavon B. Fulwiler Endowed Scholarship

Awarded annually. The recipient may be either (1) a graduate student majoring in English enrolled in the Texas Woman’s University at the time the scholarship is granted with preference given to the student who is specializing in Middle English literature or English Romantic literature or (2) a junior or a senior English major who has manifested superior ability and achievement in the field of English. The recipient of this award should have completed at least one full semester or one full summer session (two consecutive summer terms of study) and a minimum of nine semester hours of credit at TWU the semester before the scholarship is awarded. In addition to maintaining the appropriate minimum GPA (3.0 for undergraduates, 3.5 for graduates), the recipient(s) should have maintained a GPA of 3.5 in all English courses. Submission of a paper in the appropriate field is required.

Fran Hutcherson Memorial Scholarship

Awarded in support of an undergraduate or graduate student seeking a degree in English. Must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0, and be ineligible for Pell Grants. May be renewed, with application, providing the applicant is making satisfactory progress. Awarded through the General Scholarship Committee.

Dr. Leslie R. Kreps Endowed Scholarship

Awarded annually to a graduate student who demonstrates superior ability and strong interest in rhetoric or to a junior or senior English major or to an undergraduate speech student who demonstrates superior rhetorical skills. Must submit a paper for consideration.

Joyce Thompson Endowed Memorial Scholarship (Joyce Thompson Scholar)

Given annually to an English major with preference specified for graduate students. Awarded through the General Scholarship Committee.

Joyce Thompson Scholarship

Awarded to an English major at the undergraduate or graduate levels.