The Outstanding Undergraduate Student Award recognizes a student majoring in Integrated Studies or Professional Studies who has demonstrated strong academic achievement, effectively applied classroom learning to life outside the classroom, and made meaningful contributions beyond the classroom.

Students do not need to be nominated to be considered. Eligible students may apply by emailing the required materials—including a faculty letter of support and a short essay—to Dustin Stout at dustin.stout@mtsu.edu.

Award: $500 stipend or scholarship applied toward the following semester

If winner is an MTSU employee and graduates the current term, award can be applied for professional development or items/equipment that may support the work environment (value $500).

Eligibility Requirements

• Have completed a minimum of 60 credit hours
• Be majoring in an Integrated Studies or Professional Studies degree program
• Meet one of the following GPA requirements:
  • Overall GPA of 3.0
  • GPA of 3.0 for the most recent 24 credit hours

Application Criteria

1. Faculty Letter of Support
   A letter from an MTSU faculty member that provides specific examples of the applicant’s academic achievement and performance in coursework.
2. Short Essay (500–750 words)
   The essay should address the following prompts:
   • Describe your approach to learning and how it has contributed to your academic success.
   • Explain how you have applied course content to life outside the classroom (work, community involvement, volunteering, campus organizations, etc.).
   • Highlight recent accomplishments that demonstrate why you are a strong candidate for this award (e.g., honors, awards, scholarships, promotions).

The Outstanding Graduate Student Award recognizes a graduate student who has demonstrated strong academic achievement, effectively applied classroom learning to real-world and professional settings, and made meaningful contributions beyond the classroom.

Students do not need to be nominated to be considered. Eligible students may apply by emailing the required materials—including a faculty letter of support and a short essay—to Dustin Stout at dustin.stout@mtsu.edu.

Award: $500 stipend or scholarship applied toward the following semester

If winner is an MTSU employee and graduates the current term, award can be applied for professional development or items/equipment that may support the work environment (value $500).

Eligibility Requirements

• Have completed a minimum of 15 credit hours of graduate coursework
• Be majoring in the Master of Professional Studies degree program
• Meet one of the following GPA requirements:
  • Overall GPA of 3.0
  • GPA of 3.0 for the most recent 18 credit hours

Application Criteria

1. Faculty Letter of Support
   A letter from an MTSU faculty member that provides specific examples of the applicant’s academic achievement and performance in coursework.
2. Short Essay (500–750 words)
   The essay should address the following prompts:
   • Describe your approach to learning and how it has contributed to your academic success.
   • Explain how you have applied course content to life outside the classroom (work, community involvement, volunteering, campus organizations, etc.).
   • Highlight recent accomplishments that demonstrate why you are a strong candidate for this award (e.g., honors, awards, scholarships, promotions).

The Outstanding Online Student Award recognizes a student who has demonstrated strong academic achievement in an online course at MTSU, effectively applied course learning to real-world settings, and made meaningful contributions beyond the classroom.

Students do not need to be nominated to be considered. Eligible students may apply by emailing the required materials—including a faculty letter of support and a short essay—to Dustin Stout at dustin.stout@mtsu.edu.

Award: $500 stipend or scholarship applied toward the following semester

If winner is an MTSU employee and graduates the current term, award can be applied for professional development or items/equipment that may support the work environment (value $500).

Eligibility Requirements

• Have been enrolled in at least one online course during Spring 2026 or Fall 2025
• Meet one of the following GPA requirements:
  • Overall GPA of 3.0
  • GPA of 3.0 for the most recent 24 credit hours
• Meet the following credit-hour requirement based on academic level:
  • Undergraduate students must have completed a minimum of 60 credit hours
  • Graduate students must have completed a minimum of 15 credit hours

Application Criteria

1. Letter of Support
   A letter from a faculty member that provides specific examples of the applicant’s academic achievement, engagement, and performance in coursework.
2. Short Essay (500–750 words)
   The essay should address the following prompts:
   • Describe your approach to online learning and how it has contributed to your academic success.
   • Explain how you have applied course content to life outside the classroom (work, community involvement, volunteering, campus organizations, etc.).
   • Highlight recent accomplishments that demonstrate why you are a strong candidate for this award (e.g., honors, awards, scholarships, promotions).

The Outstanding Alumni Award recognizes an MTSU graduate from a University College major who has demonstrated exceptional achievement in their professional career, public service, and/or volunteer activities.

This award honors alumni whose accomplishments reflect the values of University College and whose University College education helped prepare them for meaningful impact beyond MTSU.

Award: Technology gift basket (approximate value $500)

Eligibility Requirements

• Must have graduated with a bachelor’s or master’s degree offered through MTSU’s University College

Application Criteria

To be considered for this award, distinguished alumni must submit the following materials:

1. Letter of Impact
   A letter describing how a University College education prepared the applicant to achieve success in their career, public service, or volunteer activities (maximum two pages).
2. Resume
   A current resume demonstrating outstanding achievement in one or more of the following areas:
   • Career achievement
   • Public service
   • Volunteer activities
3. Letter of Support
   One letter of support addressing the applicant’s impact in career achievement, public service, or volunteer work.

The Scholars Academy Award recognizes a Scholars Academy program participant who has demonstrated resilience, made meaningful sacrifices, effectively balanced multiple priorities, and achieved recent academic success.

Students do not need to be nominated to be considered. Eligible students may apply by emailing the required materials—including a letter of support and a short essay—to Dustin Stout at dustin.stout@mtsu.edu.

Award: $500 stipend or scholarship applied toward the following semester

Eligibility Requirements

• Be an undergraduate student
• Have completed a minimum of 30 credit hours
• Have participated in the Scholars Academy program and utilized services offered by the Office of Student Success, including attendance at at least one workshop or activity sponsored by the Office of Student Success
• Be able to demonstrate how the use of Scholars Academy and Office of Student Success resources has contributed to academic success
• No minimum GPA requirement

Application Criteria

1. Letter of Support
   A letter from a faculty member, employer, friend, or other acquaintance that provides specific examples of the applicant’s achievement, resilience, or personal growth.
2. Short Essay (300–500 words)
   The essay should address the following prompt: Reflect on a significant achievement or personal growth experience that has contributed to your overall success as a student. Describe the challenges you faced, the actions you took to overcome them, and the lessons you learned throughout the process.

The MTSU Upward Bound Alumni Award recognizes a former MTSU Upward Bound participant who has demonstrated resilience, made meaningful sacrifices, effectively balanced academic and personal responsibilities, and achieved continued academic success during their undergraduate career at Middle Tennessee State University.

Students do not need to be nominated to be considered. Eligible students may apply by emailing the required materials—including a letter of support and a short essay—to Dustin Stout at dustin.stout@mtsu.edu.

Award: $500 stipend or scholarship applied toward the following semester

Eligibility Requirements

• Be a current MTSU undergraduate student
• Have completed a minimum of 15 credit hours
• Be an alumnus of the MTSU Upward Bound program
• Have utilized services offered by the Office of Student Success, including academic support sessions or campus activities sponsored by the Office of Student Success or a related MTSU support program
• Be able to demonstrate how the use of academic support services and campus resources has contributed to continued academic success
• No minimum GPA requirement

Application Criteria

1. Letter of Support
   A letter from a faculty member, employer, academic advisor, or mentor that provides specific examples of the applicant’s academic progress, leadership, resilience, and overall achievement.
2. Short Essay (300–500 words)
   The essay should address the following prompt: Reflect on a significant achievement or personal growth experience during your time at MTSU that demonstrates how your participation in Upward Bound helped prepare you for college success. Describe the challenges you faced, the actions you took to overcome them, the campus resources you utilized, and the lessons you learned throughout the process.

Dean’s Staff Award recognizes a University College staff member whose performance reflects strong professionalism, consistent excellence and a clear commitment to the mission of their department and the College. This award honors employees who show passion for their work, respond positively when asked to assist and regularly go above and beyond expectations while delivering prompt, efficient and courteous customer service, even in high-pressure situations.

Award: Funding for professional development or items and equipment that may support the work environment (approximate value $1,000)

Eligibility Requirements

• Be a full-time classified, administrative or professional staff member in University College with a minimum of two (2) years of continuous service as a full-time benefited employee
• Have not received this award in the past three (3) years
• Be rated as a successful contributor per performance evaluation metrics and have had no disciplinary actions within the last 12 months
• Be nominated by a student or a current member of the faculty or staff within University College (self-nominations are not considered)

Application Documents

1. Current resumé (no more than 2 pages)
2. 1-page essay describing what it means to the nominee to work in University College and the impact they provide to students, staff, faculty and the University as a whole
3. Letter of support from the direct supervisor (no more than 1 page)

Dean’s Staff Award recognizes a University College staff member whose performance reflects strong professionalism, consistent excellence and a clear commitment to the mission of their department and the College. This award honors employees who show passion for their work, respond positively when asked to assist and regularly go above and beyond expectations while delivering prompt, efficient and courteous customer service, even in high-pressure situations.

Award: Funding for professional development or items and equipment that may support the work environment (approximate value $1,000)

Eligibility Requirements

• Be a full-time classified, administrative or professional staff member in University College with a minimum of two (2) years of continuous service as a full-time benefited employee
• Have not received this award in the past three (3) years
• Be rated as a successful contributor per performance evaluation metrics and have had no disciplinary actions within the last 12 months
• Be nominated by a student or a current member of the faculty or staff within University College (self-nominations are not considered)

Application Documents

1. Current resumé (no more than 2 pages)
2. 1-page essay describing what it means to the nominee to work in University College and the impact they provide to students, staff, faculty and the University as a whole
3. Letter of support from the direct supervisor (no more than 1 page)

This award recognizes the outstanding accomplishments of an adjunct faculty member teaching in University College.

Award: Funding for professional development and/or materials and equipment that can be used for instructional enhancement. Items must be approved and adhere to university guidelines for purchasing (approximate value $1,000)

Eligibility Requirements

• Applicant must have taught in the academic year of application and at least two course sections at MTSU as an adjunct over at least two previous semesters
• Must be nominated by a student or current member of the faculty or staff within University College (self-nominations are not considered)
• Has not received this award in the past three years

Application Criteria

Submit the following application documents:

1. One-page teaching philosophy statement
2. Samples of instructional or supplemental materials created by the faculty member (e.g., news feed posts, class wide emails, handouts, short instructional videos). Include a brief description of the need you saw and how the materials you developed addressed that need and aided student learning (no more than 10 pages)
3. One-page summary of student evaluations or teaching results of last 15 credit hours
4. Faculty letter of support from one faculty member who can address the quality of your teaching, effectiveness of instructional materials, use of effective pedagogical practices, and/or engagement of students (no more than one page)
5. Student statement of support (one page) from a student enrolled in a class you taught who can speak to the effectiveness of your teaching

This award recognizes the outstanding accomplishments of a Dual Enrollment faculty member teaching in University College.

Award: Funding for professional development and/or materials and equipment that can be used for instructional enhancement. Items must be approved and adhere to university guidelines for purchasing (approximate value $1,000)

Eligibility Requirements

• Applicant must have taught a dual enrollment section in the academic year of application
• Must be nominated by a current member of the faculty or staff within University College or a high school administrator
• Has not received this award in the past three years

Application Criteria

Submit the following application documents:

1. One-page teaching philosophy statement
2. Samples of instructional or supplemental materials created by the faculty member (e.g., news feed posts, class wide emails, handouts, short instructional videos). Include a brief description of the need you saw and how the materials you developed addressed that need and aided student learning (no more than 10 pages)
3. Letter of support from one faculty member or administrator who can address the quality of your teaching, effectiveness of instructional materials, use of effective pedagogical practices, and/or engagement of students (no more than one page)

This award recognizes the outstanding accomplishments of a full-time non-tenured/tenure-track faculty member teaching in University College.

Award: Funding for professional development and/or materials and equipment that can be used for instructional enhancement. Items must be approved and adhere to university guidelines for purchasing (approximate value $1,000)

Eligibility Requirements

• Applicant must be in a full-time temporary (non-tenured track) position
• Applicant must have taught in the academic year of application and at least for two semesters
• Must be nominated by a student or current member of the faculty or staff within University College (self-nominations are not considered)
• Has not received this award in the past three years

Application Criteria

Submit the following application documents:

1. One-page teaching philosophy statement
2. Samples of instructional or supplemental materials created by the faculty member (e.g., news feed posts, class wide emails, handouts, short instructional videos). Include a brief description of the need you saw and how the materials you developed addressed that need and aided student learning (no more than 10 pages)
3. One-page summary of student evaluations or teaching results of last 15 credit hours
4. Faculty letter of support from one faculty member who can address the quality of your teaching, effectiveness of instructional materials, use of effective pedagogical practices, and/or engagement of students (no more than one page)
5. Student statement of support (one page) from a student enrolled in a class you taught who can speak to the effectiveness of your teaching

This award recognizes the outstanding accomplishments of a full-time faculty member teaching in the online format.

Award: Funding for professional development and/or materials and equipment that can be used for instructional enhancement. Items must be approved and adhere to university guidelines for purchasing (approximate value $1,000)

Eligibility Requirements

• Applicant must be in a full-time position and teaching an online course in either Fall 2024 or Spring 2025
• Applicant must have taught in the academic year of application and at least for two semesters
• Must be nominated by a student or current member of the faculty or staff (self-nominations are not considered)
• Has not received this award in the past three years

Application Criteria

Submit the following application documents:

1. One-page teaching philosophy statement
2. Samples of instructional or supplemental materials created by the faculty member (e.g., news feed posts, class wide emails, handouts, short instructional videos). Include a brief description of the need you saw and how the materials you developed addressed that need and aided student learning (no more than 10 pages)
3. One-page summary of student evaluations or teaching results of last 15 credit hours
4. Faculty letter of support from one faculty member who can address the quality of your teaching, effectiveness of instructional materials, use of effective pedagogical practices, and/or engagement of students (no more than one page)

To be considered for the Wilder Scholarship Endowment, applicants must be a non-traditional student who is currently enrolled at MTSU majoring in BS in Integrated Studies, BS in Professional Studies, BS in Liberal Studies in Applied Leadership or a Masters in Professional Studies. The Scholarship Application opens up every year on October 1^st and closes February 15^th. To complete the scholarship application, go to www.mtsu.edu/scholarships/opportunities and login using your PipelineMT username and password. Once logged in, complete the General Scholarship Application, along with any other applicable scholarship applications to be considered for all scholarships.

Eligibility Requirements

• Must have a minimum of 60 hours of coursework completed
• A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.50
• Must be majoring in Integrated or Professional Studies undergraduate program OR Master of Professional Studies.

The Attie E. Lewis Scholarship is available to nontraditional students with preference to students with financial need and family responsibilities in addition to their academic workload. The Scholarship Application period opens each year on October 1^st and closes February 15^th.

To complete the scholarship application, go to www.mtsu.edu/scholarships/opportunities and login using your PipelineMT username and password. Once logged in, complete the General Scholarship Application, along with any other applicable scholarship applications to be considered for all scholarships.

To be considered for the Dennis Bain Memorial Scholarship, applicants must be a non-traditional student who is currently enrolled at MTSU and has taken at least 1 distance learning course. The Scholarship Application opens up every year on October 1^st and closes February 15^th. To complete the scholarship application, go to www.mtsu.edu/scholarships/opportunities and login using your PipelineMT username and password. Once logged in, complete the General Scholarship Application, along with any other applicable scholarship applications to be considered for all scholarships.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Must have a minimum of 60 hours of coursework completed
• A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.50

• Must have a minimum of 60 hours of coursework completed
• A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.50