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African American Studies
University of Mississippi

Scholarships

The Department of African American Studies is proud to offer scholarships for its majors, which are made possible through generous private gifts to honor those listed with each scholarship.

The application deadline is February 15 for scholarships to be awarded in the following academic year. Incoming freshmen should complete the UM Special Programs and Scholarship Application.  Current UM students and transfer students should apply here for the Cole and Hamer scholarships.

Donald Cole Catalyst for Change Scholarship

Both Dr. Donald Cole and his wife Marcia earned multiple degrees, held leadership roles, and taught at the University of Mississippi. Their children Donald II, William, and Mariah all attended UM.

Both Dr. Donald Cole (left) and his wife Marcia (right) earned multiple degrees, held leadership roles, and taught at the University of Mississippi. Their children Donald II, William, and Mariah all attended UM.

Donald Cole was a student activist at the University of Mississippi in the 1970s, a doctoral student in the 1980s, and an administrator from the 1990s through his retirement in January 2019. He influenced generations of students and faculty. The Donald Cole Catalyst for Change Scholarship is for African American Studies majors who exhibit leadership qualities, a spirit of service and academic excellence. Read more about Donald Cole’s life and career.  

  • Major: African American Studies
  • Full-time student: yes
  • Classification: any 
  • Financial need: no
  • Residency: any
  • GPA: 2.5 
  • Other: Students are actively involved in university life and show evidence of desire to pursue progressive change across Mississippi

Elmo Howell Scholarship

Elmo Howell (1918-2013), who was born in Itawamba County, earned his BA in English from the University of Mississippi and then went on to earn his MA and PhD in English from the University of Florida. He taught English for two years at Jacksonville State College and then for 26 years at Memphis State University, now the University of Memphis. He wrote scholarly articles, particularly on the interconnections between literature and Southern culture, travel guides to Mississippi and collections of poetry.  Read more about Elmo Howell’s contributions to Mississippi culture

  • Majors: African American Studies, English, History, or Southern Studies
  • Full-time student: yes
  • Classification: any
  • Financial need: no
  • Residency: Itawamba County, MS
  • GPA: 3.0 
  • Other: demonstrate interest in US Southern history or literature, particularly by taking at least one Southern-related course a year
  • Application process: no.  Contact College of Liberal Arts Dean’s office at ventress@olemiss.edu for more information.

Fannie Lou HamerFannie Lou Hamer Scholarship

An anonymous donor established this scholarship to honor the life of Fannie Lou Hamer (1917-1977), a Mississippi Delta native and civil rights hero. Hamer co-founded the Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party and was a dedicated changemaker, fighting for voting equality and women’s rights. The donor hopes that the award recipients will work towards extraordinary goals while honoring Hamer’s legacy. Read more about Fannie Lou Hamer from the National Women’s History Museum  or Hamer’s Wikipedia page.  

  • Major: African American Studies 
  • Full-time student: yes
  • Classification: any
  • Financial need: no
  • Residency:  First preference for residents of Bolivar, Carroll, Coahoma, DeSoto, Holmes, Humphreys, Issaquena, Leflore, Panola, Quitman, Sharkey, Sunflower, Tallahatchie, Tate, Tunica, Warren, Washington, or Yazoo counties; second preference to any Mississippi residents; third preference for non-Mississippi residents.   
  • GPA: 2.5 
  • Other: Students whose resume reflects leadership and/or public service.