Georgia High School Senior Scholarship for Future Teachers

The Louise McBee Scholarship honors Dr. M. Louise McBee, vice president for academic affairs emerita of The University of Georgia. Dr. McBee’s career began as a high school teacher in Virginia, but she has made her mark on education and politics in Georgia. Beginning in 1963, she held several posts with The University of Georgia, including dean of women, associate dean of students, dean of students, assistant vice president for instruction, associate and senior associate vice president for academic affairs, and acting vice president for academic affairs.

Throughout her tenure at the University, Dr. McBee won the high regard of students, faculty, alumni, and friends of the institution for her openness, candor, honesty, and integrity as well as for her consummate skill as a university administrator. She was a Fulbright scholar and authored or co-authored numerous books and scholarly articles. She is the recipient of numerous awards and honors.

Dr. McBee retired from the University in 1988 and moved into the next phase of her life. She tackled Mt. Everest and was, at the time, the oldest woman to climb higher than 18,000 feet. From there she plunged into politics. McBee was elected to the Georgia House of Representatives from Clarke County in 1991 and served for 14 years. She served as chair of the Higher Education Committee from 2002-2004.

PURPOSE

To support educational enrichment for women exhibiting leadership potential in a higher-education field.

SCHOLARSHIP ELIGIBILITY / CRITERIA

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

1. Be a female.
2. Be either:
   • Currently enrolled in a public or private institution of higher learning in the state of Georgia and actively pursuing a master’s, specialist or doctorate degree related to higher education or education politics. The institution may be a two-year or four-year, public or private college, university, or technical institute. or
   • Currently employed in a public or private institution of higher learning in the state of Georgia in an administrative or teaching capacity and actively seeking professional development opportunities related to higher education or education politics. The institution may be a two-year or four-year, public or private college, university, or technical institute.
3. Indicate financial need for the scholarship. Examples may include financial need to continue formal graduate studies or the absence of institutional support for professional development.
4. Be in good academic standing (3.0 cumulative GPA) if currently enrolled as a student.
5. Submit only two current letters of support, with at least one of them being from their present employer or faculty member.
6. Submit a résumé/CV along with the application.

SCHOLARSHIP ANNOUNCEMENT AND DEADLINE

Scholarship announcements will be disseminated to institutions of higher education in the state. Applications must be received by December 9, 2024.

SCHOLARSHIP USE

The Louise McBee Scholarship may be used for the following purposes:

1. Tuition, fees, books, and miscellaneous education expenses related to continuing education in the field or to the pursuit of a graduate degree.
2. Workshops, seminars, etc., related to development of leadership skills for women involved in higher education or education politics.
3. Relevant research contributing to the success of women in higher education or political arena, or
4. The development of programs and models that will enhance women in leadership programs.

APPLICATION FORM

The application form, two letters of support, and résumé/CV must be received by December 9, 2024.

SCHOLARSHIP SELECTION PROCEDURE

The Louise McBee Scholarship Committee is a standing committee of the Georgia Association for Women in Higher Education (GAWHE). Selection of the scholarship recipient will be based on the following:

1. Accomplishments or goals that exemplify the life of Louise McBee.
2. Leadership potential and/or, proven academic record.
3. Quality and thoroughness of application, written statement, and references.
4. Indication of need (financial or other).

SCHOLARSHIP AWARD

The Louise McBee Scholarship of $1000 will be awarded at the GAWHE Annual Conference. A $500 award will be given to the award recipient’s mentor to be used for professional development. Both the scholarship award recipient and their mentor will receive complimentary registration to attend the GAWHE Annual Conference.