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Department of Political and Global Affairs

Department of Political and Global Affairs

Scholarships and Awards

Students in Political and Global Affairs may be eligible for a variety of scholarship awards that can help cover college costs. Use this link to MTSU’s Scholarship Manager, a tool that helps you to identify and apply for relevant scholarships like the ones listed below. The link provided below will also take you to the scholarship hub.

The drop down menus below showcase our Departmental Scholarships and past winners. We also list our national & international competitive award winners, such as students who were awarded Fulbright Awards, Gilman Study Abroad grants, etc.

Click Here to Apply for Scholarships

Students in Political and Global Affairs may be eligible for a variety of scholarship awards that can help cover college costs. Use this link to MTSU’s Scholarship Manager, a tool that helps you to identify and apply for relevant scholarships like the ones listed below.

Tennessee Board of Regent Scholarships to Intern in Washington, D.C.

This competitive scholarship helps cover the costs associated with the Washington Center Program.

Joann Arnold Memorial Scholarship

The Joann Arnold Memorial Scholarship was established in memory of Joann Arnold by the Rutherford/Cannon County Bar Association for the purpose of providing scholarship for students who intend to go to law school.

To be eligible for consideration, a student must be a permanent resident of Rutherford or Cannon counties and studying law. Preference shall be given to Pre-Law students, but will not be limited to Political Science majors. 

Jane Duke Memorial Scholarship Fund

The Jane Henegar Duke Memorial Scholarship was established in memory of Jane Henegar Duke by the Rutherford County Legal Professionals for the purpose of providing scholarship for students in Political Science at MTSU.

To be eligible for consideration, a student must be a permanent resident of Tennessee, a junior or senior majoring in Political Science with a minimum GPA of 2.50, and enrolled full-time. The student should also be able to demonstrate financial need as determined by the office of Financial Aid. Preference will be given to female students. 

Harry Horne International Relations Scholarship

The Harry Horne International Relations Scholarship was established in honor of the former Canadian diplomat and specialist in international relations who taught at Middle Tennessee State University from 1983 to 1990. The purpose of the scholarship is to promote and encourage the study of foreign affairs.

The scholarship recipient must have graduated from a Tennessee high school and be majoring in International Relations and/or Global Studies at MTSU. Recipients must have a 3.0 grade point average in high school or college work. If the recipient is an incoming freshman, he or she must have scored a 25 or higher on the ACT. The scholarship award pays of portion of tuition for one academic year. 

David W. Kious Scholarship

This scholarship was established in 2016 based on an endowment from the life insurance policy of Mr. David Kious. Mr. Kious received his undergraduate degree in Political Science – Pre-Law from MTSU and his law degree from the University of Tennessee. He was a founding partner of Middle Tennessee Title and Southern Title Services and a founding partner of Kious, Rodgers, Barger, Holder & Kious, PLLC, as well as Lawyers Land & Title Services, LLC.

To be eligible for the scholarship, candidates must be Political Science major with a Pre-Law concentration. Each scholarship is for one academic year. Prior recipients are not disqualified from consideration during subsequent years.  

Norman Parks Scholarship

The Norman L. Parks Scholarship was established to honor a former chair of the Department of Political Science who taught at MTSU from 1953 to 1974. The purpose of the scholarship is to promote and encourage the study of law. The scholarship pays a portion of tuition tuition and fees for the first year of study at MTSU.

Any graduating high school senior is eligible to apply. Applicants will be judged on the basis of high school scholastic record, ACT score, desire to study law, and need for financial support. The scholarship recipient must agree to attend MTSU and major in Political Science with a concentration in Pre-Law during the first semester of study.

Charles R. Ray Pre-Law Scholarship

The Charles R. Ray Pre-Law Scholarship is funded by a prominent graduate of Franklin-Simpson High School in Franklin, Kentucky. Mr. Ray completed a pre-law degree at MTSU, a law degree at Vanderbilt University, and went on to distinguish himself in legal practice in Nashville, Tennessee. The purpose of the scholarship is to promote and encourage the study of law.

The student selected for the scholarship will be awarded $500.00 toward college expenses for each successful semester of full-time study (up to eight semesters) at MTSU (maintaining a 2.50 GPA) in preparation for law school. Any graduating high school senior is eligible to apply. Preference will be given to students from Franklin-Simpson High School in Franklin, Kentucky.

Applicants will be judged on the basis of high school scholastic record, ACT score, desire to study law, and need for financial support. The scholarship recipient must agree to attend MTSU and major in Political Science with a concentration in Pre-Law.

The Anne Twining Sloan and Steve Saunders Memorial Scholarship

The Anne Twining Sloan and Steve Saunders Memorial Scholarship was established by the friends and family of Anne Twining Sloan and Steve Saunders in their memory for the purpose of providing financial assistance to students of Middle Tennessee State University who participate in endeavors relating to any aspect of international education. 

The Gene H. Sloan Scholarship

The Gene H. Sloan Scholarship was established by his daughter Dr. Anne Twining Sloan, former professor in the Department of Political Science and International Relations for the purpose of providing scholarships for students in pre-law, journalism, or business law at MTSU.

To be eligible for consideration for this scholarship, a student must be a junior or senior majoring in pre-law, journalism, or minoring in business law. The recipient must have a 3.2 grade point average or higher at the time the award is made.  Each scholarship is for one academic year. Prior recipients are not disqualified from consideration for this scholarship during subsequent years. 

George, Cynthia, and Roxanne Vernardakis Scholarship

The George, Cynthia, and Roxanne Vernardakis Scholarship is awarded to an International Student whose field of study is in the Political Science Department. Preference is given to majors of Public Policy and Management and Political Science. First preference goes to a student from the Republic of Cyprus. 

Drs. Clyde and Irina Willis Scholarship

The Drs. Clyde and Irina Willis Scholarship was established in 2015 upon the retirement of Dr. Clyde Willis from the Department of Political Science and International Relations. Dr. Willis taught in the pre-law program, served as pre-law advisor, and coached the mediation team. He passed away in 2017. To be eligible for consideration for this scholarship, candidates must meet the following criteria:  

  • Have an overall minimum 3.0 grade point average on a 4.0 scale at the time of the application
  • Have declared a major in Political Science or International Relations
  • Student must be a Sophomore or higher in classification
  • Financial need, in the broadest sense, may also be considered
  • If a recipient fails to maintain the required level of academic performance or changes to a major/ minor outside those specified, they shall forfeit any unpaid balance of their award.
  • Previous recipients are not precluded from receiving the scholarship in future years.

The Jack Justin Turner Scholarship 

The Jack Justin Turner Scholarship was established by friends and family of the late Jack Justin Turner (former IR professor in the Department of Political Science and International Relations) for the purpose of providing scholarships to students majoring in International Relations at Middle Tennessee State University. 

To be eligible for consideration for this scholarship, a student shall be majoring in International Relations at MTSU.  The student shall be a junior or senior with a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale and be enrolled full-time.  This scholarship may be renewed at the discretion of the Political Science Scholarship Committee. The student should maintain a 3.0 GPA.

Dr. Vanessa Lefler Scholarship

The Dr. Vanessa Lefler Scholarship was established to recognize Dr. Lefler, an outstanding female academic leader in the field of International Relations. This scholarship is intended to perpetuate her legacy among future students.

It is for undergraduate or graduate students majoring in International Relations or International Affairs with a GPA above 3.3.

Norman L. Parks Award
The Norman L. Parks Award goes to the PreLaw major with the highest, overall GPA. Dr. Parks was the founding chair of the Department of Political Science and served in the position for about 20 years where he inspired a generation of political science and pre-law students including Charles R. Ray.

Jack Justin Turner Award
The Jack Justin Turner Award goes to the International Relations student with the highest, overall GPA. Dr. Jack Turner is a former International Relations professor who became a novelist after retiring.

Criteria

  • All award candidates must have at least an overall G.P.A. of 3.5.
  • Candidates must have a minimum of 18 hours in Political Science at MTSU.
  • If there is a tie in the above awards, the Political Science G.P.A. will serve to break the tie.
  • Awards given at the Awards Banquet are for students graduating the preceding Summer or Fall convocation, and those graduating in May. The G.P.A.’s for the August and December graduates are known. Those of the May graduation are based on grades through the preceding Fall semester.

Students in Political and Global Affairs may be eligible for a variety of scholarship awards that can help cover college costs. Use this link to MTSU’s Scholarship Manager, a tool that helps you to identify and apply for relevant scholarships like the ones listed below.

2024-2025

  • Anne Twinning Sloan and Steve Saunders Memorial Scholarship – Makala Gillis
  • Political Science and International Relations Scholarship Fund – Yusuf Dogan
  • Dr. Vanessa Lefler Scholarship – Shaylee Logan
  • Joann Arnold Memorial Scholarship – Siri Reynolds
  • Harry Horne International Relations Scholarship – Jon Castleman, Delaney Reynolds
  • Drs. Clyde and Irina Willis Scholarship – Amaya Carter, Teresa Bauer
  • Jack Justin Turner Endowed Scholarship – Irieny Seddik
  • Dr. David Grubbs Endowed Scholarship – George Boakye
  • Jane Duke Memorial Scholarship – Jared McGee
  • Charles R. Ray Pre-Law Scholarship – Nataly Rezk, Makenzie Edwards, Jonathan Escobar-Marin, Chloe Rush, Jorge Avila, Mona Ikbariah
  • Gene H. Sloan Scholarship – Chloe Rush
  • George, Cynthia, and Roxane Vernardakis Scholarship – Benjamin Tscheschlok
  • David W. Kious Scholarship – Jorge Avila
  • Norman Parks Scholarship – Emily Ross

2023 – 2024

  • Anne Twinning Sloan and Steve Saunders Memorial Scholarship – Samantha Hennings
  • Political Science and International Relations Scholarship Fund – Victoria Grigsby, Katelynn Pricer
  • Dr. Vanessa Lefler Scholarship – Irieny Seddik
  • Political Science and International Relations Enrichment Fund – Gina Ibrahim
  • Norman Parks Scholarship – Miya Anderson
  • Joann Arnold Memorial Scholarship – Veronica Banas
  • Harry Horne International Relations Scholarship – Jacob Davenport
  • Drs. Clyde and Irina Willis Scholarship – Jasmine Eichelberger
  • Jack Justin Turner Endowed Scholarship – Caden Courtney
  • Dr. David Grubbs Endowed Scholarship – Benjamin Tscheschlok
  • Jane Duke Memorial Scholarship Fund – Julian Sons
  • Charles R. Ray Pre-Law Scholarship – Holly Elliott, Mona Ikbariah, Chloe Rush, Autumn Chance
  • Gene H. Sloan Scholarship – Jeremy Reed
  • George, Cynthia, and Roxane Vernardakis Scholarship – Adriana Speis, Alexis Mahon
  • David W. Kious Scholarship – Gina Ibrahim

2022 – 2023

  • Anne Twinning Sloan and Steve Saunders Memorial Scholarship – Madison Staggs
  • Norman Parks Scholarship – Anna Smith
  • Joann Arnold Memorial Scholarship – Hillary Esquivel
  • Harry Horne International Relations Scholarship – Emily Bigler, Deklyn Manuel, Jacob Davenport, Anthony Story, Alisun Hughes
  • Drs. Clyde and Irina Willis Scholarship – Julian Sons
  • Jack Justin Turner Endowed Scholarship – Trinity Henderson
  • Jane Duke Memorial Scholarship Fund – Virginia McFarland
  • Charles R. Ray Pre-Law Scholarship – Autumn Chance, Haley Bobo, Michael Hill, Holly Elliott
  • Gene H. Sloan Scholarship – Benjamin Adams
  • George, Cynthia, and Roxane Vernardakis Scholarship – Hannah Lovergine
  • David W. Kious Scholarship – Katelynn Pricer

2021 – 2022

  • Anne Twinning Sloan and Steve Saunders Memorial Scholarship – Jahon Nasoori
  • Norman Parks Scholarship – Faith Oboh
  • Joann Arnold Memorial Scholarship – Sarah Schneider
  • Harry Horne International Relations Scholarship – Katherine Corder
  • Drs. Clyde and Irina Willis Scholarship – Hannah Lovergine
  • Jane Duke Memorial Scholarship Fund – Cyrus Jones
  • Charles R. Ray Pre-Law Scholarship – Michael Hill, Holly Elliott, Haley Bobo, Andrew Runions
  • Gene H. Sloan Scholarship – Shiryphone Duangsay
  • George, Cynthia, and Roxane Vernardakis Scholarship – Trinity Henderson
  • David W. Kious Scholarship – Katelyn Pricer
  • Jack Justin Turner Endowed Scholarship – Hannah Lovergine

2020-2021

  • Charles R. Ray Scholarship: Morgan “Mo” Campbell (Senior); Andrew Runions (Junior)
  • David W. Kious Scholarship – Miura Rempis
  • Clyde and Irina Willis Scholarship – Amber Ferguson
  • Anne Sloan and Steve Saunders Scholarship – Kent Kemp
  • Harry Horne International Relations Scholarship – Erica Combs
  • Jane Henegar Duke Scholarship – Eliza Corder
  • Norman L. Parks Scholarship – Trinity Henderson
  • Jack Justin Turner Scholarship – Bailey Hansen & Hannah Lovergine
  • Gene Sloan Scholarship – Patrick Alford
  • JoAnne Arnold Scholarship – Hannah Solima
  • Charles R. Ray Prelaw Scholarship – Haley Bobo
  • George, Cynthia & Roxane Vernardakis Scholarship – Hannah Solima

2019-2020

  • Norman L. Parks Award – Shane A. Richards 
  • C. Sims Award – Lauren Hennessee 
  • John W. Burgess Award – Nathan Watkins 
  • Jack Justin Turner Award – James M. Allen 
  • Political Science and International Relations Scholarship Fund – Nicole Alduenda
  • Joann Arnold Memorial Scholarship – Morgan Campbell
  • Harry Horne International Relations Scholarship – Erica Combs

2018-2019

  • Dr. Clyde Willis Scholarship – Ashton Brachey
  • Joann Arnold Memorial Scholarship – Aaron Schneider
  • Harry Horne International Relations Scholarship – Erica Combs

2017-18

  • Outstanding Graduate Student Award – Michael Hester
  • Norman L. Parks Award – Freya Cartwright 
  • C. Sims Award – Janeth Almazan 
  • John W. Burgess Award – Jason Fleischmann 
  • Jack Justin Turner Award – Tiffany Miller and Carson Turner 
  • Joann Arnold Memorial Scholarship – Talea Rahman 
  • Jane Duke Memorial Scholarship Fund – Sarah Dixon
  • George and Cynthia Vernardakis Scholarship – Janeth Almazan  
  • Norman Parks Scholarship – Gregory Stallworth  
  • Harry Horne International Relations Scholarship – Jacob Myre 
  • Sloan Scholarship – Kimora Cross 
  • Kious Scholarship – Devin Irish  

2016-17

  • Norman L. Parks Award – James Cole Hodge; Jodi Schokney
  • Anne Twining Sloan and Steve Saunders Memorial Scholarship – Katie Hickman; Jacob Myhre
  • C.C. Sims Award – Mitchell Brisbon; Connor McDonald
  • John W. Burgess Award – Agnes Porter
  • Jack Justin Turner Award – Caitlin Henderson
  • Meritorious Service Awards – Cole Hodge, Wesley Eke (Mock Trial),  Erika Helgeson (Model UN),  Jodi Shockney (Mediation)
  • Norman Parks Scholarship – Gregory Stallworth
  • Joann Arnold Memorial Scholarship – James Cole Hodge
  • Harry Horne International Relations Scholarship – Kerry Keitzman

2015-16

  • Norman L. Parks Award: Christopher Ryan Sullivan
  • C.C. Sims Award: John W. Gleason
  • John W. Burgess Award: Matthew Dalton Lauderback
  • Jack Justin Turner Award: Katherine Stubblefield
  • Meritorious Service Awards: Joseph Kidd  (Moot Court)
  • Joann Arnold Memorial Scholarship – James Hodge
  • Harry Horne International Relations Scholarship – Joey Kennedy

2014-15

  • Norman L. Parks Award: Davis Thompson
  • Norman Parks Scholarship – Christopher Cowherd
  • C.C. Sims Award: Yerlyn Castro-Vargas
  • John W. Burgess Award: Mark Naifeh
  • Jack Justin Turner Award: Jeffrey Laudieri and Tandra Martin
  • Meritorious Service Awards: Davis Thompson (Mock Trial and Moot Court), Clark Palombo (Mock Trial and Moot Court), Nural Deen (Moot Court), Joe Kidd (Moot Court), Lisa Stark (Model UN)
  • Joann Arnold Memorial Scholarship – Cassandra Stevens
  • Harry Horne International Relations Scholarship – Miller Goan

 2013-14

  • Norman L. Parks Award: Samantha Farish
  • Norman Parks Scholarship – Nicholas Lembo
  • C.C. Sims Award: Louis Martino
  • John W. Burgess Award: Noah Neilsen
  • Jack Justin Turner Award: Whitney Flatt
  • Meritorious Service Awards: Tyler Sanders (Moot Court), Samantha Farish (Moot Court and Mock Trial), Morgan Mansourian (Mediation), Joey Meyer (Model UN), Whitney Flatt (Model UN)
  • Joann Arnold Memorial Scholarship – Samantha Farish
  • Harry Horne International Relations Scholarship – Shawn Stickney

2012-13

  • Norman L. Parks Award: Joseph Huckleberry
  • C.C. Sims Award: Constance Grieves
  • John W. Burgess Award: Clifton Barnett
  • Jack Justin Turner Award: Kaitlyn Newman
  • Meritorious Service Awards: Kaitlin Beck (Mock Trial and Moot Court), Mahmud Brifkani ( Moot Court), Mark Fyke (Moot Court), Heather Haggard (Mock Trial), Andrew Mitchell (Mediation), Kaitlyn Newman (Model UN),  Michael Reed (Moot Court) 

2011-12

  • Norman L. Parks Award: Kristin Johnson
  • C.C. Sims Award: Lisa Riggs
  • John W. Burgess Award: Marianne Hoover
  • Jack Justin Turner Award: Adam Emerson
  • Meritorious Service Award: Lisa Riggs (Dept); Rachel Harmon (Mock Trial); Jacob Butler (Moot Court); Yasser Arafat (Moot Court); Kristin Johnson (Moot Court); Alexander Smith (Model UN).

2010-11

  • Norman L. Parks Award: Jenni Bewley 
  • C.C. Sims Award: Alison Carden
  • John W. Burgess Award: Nathaniel Greene
  • Jack Justin Turner Award: Nick Mackie
  • Meritorious Service Awards: Eric Bisby (Moot Court and Mock Trial); Charlie Burns (Moot Court); Shaun Guffey (Model UN & Rotaract); D.J. Haggard (Mock Trial); Sam Keen (Moot Court); 
  • Nick Mackie (Model UN & Rotaract)
  • Lee Whitwell (Mock Trial).(2010-11)

Students interested in applying for the College of Liberal Arts scholarships, including those for unpaid internships and study abroad, please click here for additional information. Spring 2025 applications are due February 3, 2025.

2024 – 2025

  • Friends of Liberal Arts Scholarship – Alania Denton
  • Harold and Carolyn Jump Slatton Scholarship – Jonathan Escobar and Amelia Sutherland
  • Klingenmeyer Scholarship for Unpaid Internships: Caydence May, Vaheen Baroshki, and Gennesis Cuevas

2023 – 2024

  • Harold and Carolyn Jump Slatton Scholarship: Rylee Hooker
  • CLA New Transfer Student Scholarship: Anna Elqadi
  • Klingenmeyer Scholarship for Unpaid Internships: Alexis Maldonado, Jorge, Avila, Jai’Onna Fuentes, Christina McGill, and Cody Bolin
  • Elrod Family Scholarship: Amaya Carter
  • Mary Foye Huhta Scholarship: Katrina Aguilar and Alandra McMillan
  • Geraldine Sayward Scholarship: Madelyn Williams
  • CLA Study Abroad Scholarship: Jorge Avila and Faith Atkinson
  • Undergraduate Student of the Year Award for PS: Gina Ibrahim
  • Undergraduate Student of the Year Award for GS: Jae Davenport
  • Graduate Student of the Year Award for IA: Divinity Ferris

2022 – 2023

  • Elrod Family Scholarship: Alexis Mahon, Lauryn Tyler, Yad Kader, and Monika Ilicic
  • Mary Foye Huhta Scholarship: Barthena Meseha and Katrina Aguilar
  • Klingenmeyer Scholarship for Unpaid Internships: Benjamin Adams, Clara McKinnis, Barthena Meseha, Alexis Mahon, Emme Kikuchi, and Alandra McMillan
  • Undergraduate Student of the Year Award for GS: Emma Beard
  • Undergraduate Student of the Year Award for PS: Katrina Aguilar
  • Graduate Student of the Year Award IR: Samantha Hannigan
  • CLA Outstanding Undergraduate Student of the Year Award: Emma Beard

2021 – 2022

  • Mary Foye Huhta Scholarship: Trinity Henderson and Logan McVey
  • CLA Study Abroad Scholarship: Emme Kikuchi
  • Klingenmeyer Scholarship for Unpaid Internships: Elaf Alkazzaz, Alexa Anger, Dylan Collins, Jeffatina Dortch, Jahon, Nassoori, Logan McVey, Hillary Esquivel, Sakhiba Turaeva, Kalsey Harrell, Maggie Pedigo, Mary Chasca
  • Undergraduate Student of the Year Award for PS: Andrew Runions
  • Graduate Student of the Year Award IR: Lidia Burrows
  • Undergraduate Student of the Year Award for GS: Sophia Maas

2020 – 2021

  • Undergraduate Student of the Year Award for PS and French: Hanna Solima
  • Undergraduate Student of the Year Award for GS: Abby Maher

2019 – 2020

  • Undergraduate Student of the Year Award for PS: Lily Alegria
  • Graduate Student of the Year Award IR: Victor Sanchez
  • Undergraduate Student of the Year Award for GS: Brittany Johnson

2018-2019

  • Elrod Family Scholarship: Ashton Brachey and Diana Basurto
  • CLA Study Abroad Scholarship: Caitlyn Ellis, Kerry Keitzman, Chelsea Owten, Hannah Solima
  • Undergraduate Student of the Year Award for PS: Morgan CampBell
  • Graduate Student of the Year Award IR: Lauren Bradish
  • Undergraduate Student of the Year Award for GS: Eric Goodwin

2017-2018

Janeth Almazan received the Department Outstanding Undergraduate Student Award and the College of Liberal Arts Outstanding Student Award.

Dr. Lisa Langenbach received the MTSU College of Liberal Arts Faculty Teaching Award. 

Our students are prepared to compete for national scholarships, fellowships, grants, and award programs in a variety of fields and countries. Working with our faculty & the University Honors College/Undergraduate Fellowships Office, PGA students can compete for funding to help with study abroad, graduate & law school, research assistantships, internships & experiential learning programs, and much more.

Below are some of the known winners of competitive national scholarships & awards.

2023

2022

 2021

2020

 2019

 2018

 2017

2016

 2015

2014

2013

2012

2011

2010

2009

  • Adam Emerson, International Relations and Psychology – Phi Kappa Phi Emerging Scholar
  • Aaron Shew, International Relations and Global Studies – Critical Language Scholarship, Urdu

2008

2006

2004

2002

2001

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