Resources & Scholarships in African American Studies
We are committed to student success by providing support and resources to achieve your goals.
The Tools for Success
Find out about the generous scholarship opportunities for African American Studies students and student success resources available at the department, college, and university levels.
African American Studies Scholarships
Eligibility:
- Full-time student
- African American Studies major
- At least a 2.5 GPA
Strong applicants will have:
- Active involvement in university life
- Desire to pursue progressive change across Mississippi
Application process:
- Incoming freshmen will complete the UM Special Programs and Scholarship Application
- Current UM students and transfer students should complete this application
- Deadline is January 10 for scholarships awarded in the following academic year
- Contact department for more information: aas@olemiss.edu
About Donald Cole
The Donald Cole Catalyst for Change Scholarship is for African American Studies majors who exhibit leadership qualities, a spirit of service, and academic excellence. Dr. Cole’s history of service and leadership at UM spans 50 years. He was a student activist in the 1970s, a doctoral student in the 1980s, and a professor and top administrator from the 1990s through his retirement in January 2019. In that time, he influenced generations of students and faculty. Read more about the Donald Cole Catalyst for Change Scholarship.
Eligibility:
- Full-time student
- Major in African American Studies, English, History, or Southern Studies
- At least a 3.0 GPA
- Itawamba County, MS residency
Strong applicants will have:
- Demonstrated interest in US Southern history or literature
Application process:
- No application required.
- Contact College of Liberal Arts Dean’s office for more information. Ventress@olemiss.edu
About Elmo Howell
Elmo Howell (1918-2013) earned his BA in English from the University of Mississippi, then went on to earn his MA and PhD in English from the University of Florida. He taught English with an expertise in Southern culture, Mississippi travel guides, and poetry for 26 years at Memphis State University (now University of Memphis). Read more about Elmo Howell’s contributions to Southern culture.
Eligibility:
- Full-time student
- African American Studies major
- At least a 2.5 GPA
- 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 resident; third preference for non-Mississippi resident.
Other: leadership and/or public service on resume
Strong applicants will have:
- Resume that reflects leadership and/or public service
Application Process:
- Incoming freshmen will complete the UM Special Programs and Scholarship Application
- Current UM students and transfer students should complete this application
- Deadline is January 10 for scholarships awarded in the following academic year
- Contact department for more information: aas@olemiss.edu
About Fannie Lou Hamer
The Fannie Lou Hamer Scholarship was established by an anonymous donor in honor of Fannie Lou Hamer, 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 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.
Student Success Resources
African American Studies
- Student lounge
- Low student-to-faculty ratio
- Capstone course
- Sponsored events including panels, lectures, speakers, informal meetings with student leaders, and student driven programs
- Faculty mentoring for professional and graduate school applications
- Curriculum helps majors pursue post-graduation interests
College of Liberal Arts
The African American Studies Program is one of many outstanding departments in the College of Liberal Arts at the University of Mississippi. Therefore, students receive support from the CLA Office of Student Services, located nearby in George Hall.
University-Wide Resources
Our university supports students and encourages them to be involved on campus and beyond.
- Arts and culture experiences
- Get involved on campus and grow your leadership
- Opportunities to learn beyond the classroom
- Health and wellness resources
- Registration and Financial Aid assistance
- Student advocacy and support
- Technology and learning resources
Student Lounge
A dedicated space for studying, gathering for events, and connecting with other scholars in the African American Studies Program.