Application Process

Each year, the English Department awards scholarships to incoming and current English students. 

Elligibility: Elligibility varies based on the scholarship.Qualifications for the majority of our scholarships are based on the general application information as well as information pulled directly from your admissions application.

Criteria: Determining factors for English scholarships vary. Criteria might include strength of the application, academic achievement, extracurricular achievement, career promise, financial need and/or study-abroad plans.

How to apply: Madison Scholarships Hub is the application center for all JMU Foundation scholarships administered by the following areas: Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships, College of Arts & Letters, and the College of Business. To log in, go to MyMadison and under the "Student" tab click on the logo for Madison Scholarships Hub. Once you complete the general application, you will be matched to scholarships for which you are elligible. Most scholarships have a deadline of early March for current students (early June for incoming students).

NOTE: The Taschek Family Scholarship and the Jean Wampler Cash Scholarship require specific applications. You should review the criteria for each scholarship and complete the associated application if you wish to be considered for the scholarship.

Scholarship Awards for Continuing Students
The Joye and Robert Ledford Scholarship

Established by the Ledfords in April 1993 and is an annual cash award. Robert Ledford was the president of Ledford Associates, Inc. He passed away in September 2010. Their daughter, Angie Ledford Hutchison, graduated from JMU in 1994 with a B.A. in English.

The Ella A. Dahms Myers Scholarship

Established in 2015, in memory of her grandmother, by Cheryl (“Cherie”) Myers Warfield, ’85 alumna and legacy parent who serves on the James Madison University Parent’s Council. Ms. Warfield has made provisions to permanently endow this scholarship through her estate. The scholarship is intended to recognize and support the intellectual spark in an exceptional junior or senior English major.

The Faculty Prize in English Language and Literature

Awarded, during the spring semester for use in the subsequent academic year, by the faculty in the Department of English to a rising sophomore or junior who has demonstrated excellence in the study of the English language and linguistics or of literature written in the English language. This is an annual cash award.

Taschek Family Scholarship

Established February 2018 by John, Linda and the Taschek family to support an English major with a 3.3 or above overall GPA who has completed at least three English courses.

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The Stanley Rhys Say Scholarship

Established in Say’s memory, provides an annual cash award to a rising junior or senior English major.

The Flora Morris Scholarship

Provides an annual cash award to an eligible English major. This scholarship was established in 2010 with a gift from the estate of Flora Morris, a graduate of the class of 1943.

The Mark Facknitz Outstanding New Major Scholarship

Established in 2017, is awarded in honor of Mark Facknitz, a Professor of English at JMU for 34 years. Dr. Facknitz earned a BA in French from Lawrence University, an MFA from the Writer’s Workshop, University of Iowa, and a Ph.D. from the University of New Mexico. He taught creative writing, twentieth century American and British Literature, and Critical Theory. He was deeply committed to teaching English 299: Writing about Literature, the gateway course to the English major, which prepares students to read, write, and research in the field.

Joan Frederick Scholarship

An endowed scholarship established by Michael Szymanski (’77) in honor of Professor Emerita Joan Frederick. Mr. Szymanski has described Professor Frederick as a professor who had three amazing attributes. She clearly loved educating and challenging students, she had a vast knowledge of literature which she shared, and her office door was always open for pleasant conversation, coursework or otherwise. He appreciated her insight, both academically and personally, and has never forgotten the encouragement and kindness she showed him. Professor Frederick helped nurture his love of English and writing, both skills he uses in his business and personal life. 

Sandra Hepp Eagle Memorial Scholarship 

Established in 2018 in memory of Sandra Hepp Eagle, a JMU graduate (’62, ’80) and a longtime member of the English Department faculty. The scholarship is awarded to a “deserving” Junior or Senior English major with a GPA of 3.0 or greater; it is renewable for a Junior if the recipient continues to meet the criteria.  Sandra’s mother, Rita Hepp Hawley has made provisions to permanently endow this scholarship in her estate plans. 

Jean Wampler Cash Scholarship for the Study of Southern Literature

An endowed scholarship established by Professor Emerita Jean Wampler Cash. This scholarship will provide financial resources annually to one or more outstanding undergraduate junior or senior scholars who demonstrate exceptional achievement in the study of Southern Literature.

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Awards for Cumulative Accomplishments by Senior English Majors

Awards may not be given in each category every year.

Award for Overall Excellence

Lindsay Austin (2023); Lillie Jacob (2021); Cady Hockman (2020); Matthew Cappo (2019); Samuel Looker (2018); Elizabeth Ferguson (2017); Alexandra Maben (2016); Matthew Smircich (2015); Rebecca Daugharty (2014); Katherine Bulling (2013); Emilee Wirshing (2012); Annalisa Adams (2011); Bonnie Weatherill (2010); Melissa Wentzel (2009); Ella Saunders (2008); Andrew Newton (2007); Stephen Kelly (2006)

Outstanding English Student (Award from Dean)

Emma Gentry (2022); Matthew Cappo (2019); Samuel Looker (2018); Philecia Hoffer (2014)

Award for Excellence in Academic Writing and Research

Susanna Kirk (2023); Ava Jacobs (2022); Edana Colegrove (2021); Anna Adler (2020); Olivia Rhodes (2019); Isabelle Furth (2014)

Award for Excellence in the Study of Film

Ellis Finney (2021); Evan Nicholls (2020); Spencer Still (2019); Nicholas Graber (2018); Rob Porter (2017); Meagan Riley (2016); Samuel Franklin (2014); Anna Frazer (2013); Ian Spiegel-Blum (2012); Kristin Brown (2011); Jacob Agner (2010); Shannon McGarth (2009); Joseph Craft (2008); Thomas Gregory (2007); Marcus Hudgins (2006)

Award for Excellence in the Study of African American Literature

Georgia Kokkinis (2023); Matthew Blackburn (2022); Ellis Finney (2021); Nico Penaranda (2020); Jessica Carter (2019); Bria Coleman (2018); Kailyn Harris-Gilliam (2017); Brett Seekford (2016); Ellen Stringer (2015); Greer Drummond (2014); Levi Key (2013); Elizabeth Harrison (2012); Nichole Ehlers (2010); Teagan O'Bar (2008); Joseph Fridley (2007) 

Award for Excellence in Gender, Sexuality, and Literature

Kennedy Burke (2022); Arielle Gick (2021); Noel Sloss (2020); Kyla McLaughlin (2019); Honora Cargile (2018); Rachel Bartholomew (2017); Nicole Baucum (2016); Grace Jordan (2015); Megan O’Neill (2014); Hannah Austin (2013); Mitchell Hobza (2012); Kelsey Smith (2011); Danielle Ainson (2010); Deena Hannoun (2009); Bria Gardner (2008); Rebecca Ward (2007); Andria Ortega (2006)

Award for Excellence in the Study of American Literature

Tony Baltazar Gonzalez (2023); Joceyln Shinseki (2022); Chelsea Castro (2020); Caroline Henry (2019); Madeline Marsh (2018); Rebecca Josephson (2017); Rachel Palkovitz (2016); Sarah Golibart (2015); Jacqueline Rodebaugh (2014); Lisa Watson (2013); Stephanie Maguire (2012); Matthew Lobb (2011); Kathryn McNelly (2010); Lindsey Hemphill and Andrew Moss (2009); Brian Forman (2008); John Pollard (2007); Katherine Brown (2006)

Award for Excellence in Interdisciplinary Research and Study

Elizabeth Kubica (2023); Lauren Rothmann (2021); Madeline Hof (2020); Marina Shafik (2018); Alexandra Parker (2014)

Award for Excellence in the Study of Contemporary Literature and Criticism

Sam Coulson (2021); Aubrey Sharman (2018); Annalisa Adams (2010); Marcus Tremaine McKinstry Hamilton (2009)

Award for Excellence in the Study of Medieval and Renaissance Literature

Madeline Rigdon (2023); Ana Hereth (2021); Andrew Peter (2020); Rhys Frazier (2019); Michael Hartinger (2018); Lillian Constance (2017); Genevieve Kirk (2016); Gabrielle Rounbehler (2015); Katherine Sederstrom (2014); Devan Maddox (2013); Amanda George (2012); Gabrielle Piccininni (2011); Marlee Newman (2010); Alicia Wendt (2009); Rosanne North (2008); Ben Nicholson (2007)

Award for Excellence in the Study of Creative Writing

Corinne Martin (2023); Aleah Crystal (2021); Emma McLoughlin (2018); Kathryn Moyer (2017)

Award for Excellence in the Study of Creative Writing - Fiction

Aleah Crystal (2019); Kathryn Moyer (2016); Julianne Guilfoy (2015); Kelly Jackson (2012); Eden-Ena Parks (2011); Jason Hottel (2010); Jakob Branigan and Helen Hagy (2009); Virginia Daniel (2008); Sarah Marbach (2007); Harrison Behl (2006)

Award for Excellence in the Study of Creative Writing - Nonfiction

Jenine Jarrar (2023); Sarah Morris (2016); Jessica Bur (2015); Robert Sobel (2012); Charlotte Sohr (2011); Kari Spickard (2010); Roger Sollenberger (2008)

Award for Excellence in the Study of Creative Writing - Poetry

Kiernan Green (2023); Evan Nicholls (2019); Margaret Dapogny & Steven Einhorn (2016); Sean Townsend (2015); Kayla Runion (2013); Karen Baxter (2012); Garret Milton (2011); Eric Wuestewald (2010)

Award for Excellence in the Study of Social Justice and Literature

Jordan Zapp (2022); Jordan Zapp (2021); Cristina Aragón (2018); Rain Garant (2017); Raiy Pattinson (2016); Aurianna Singleton (2015)

Award for Excellence in the Study of World Literature

Lillie Wightman (2023); Emily Bennett Green (2022); Taylor Saale (2021); Erin Paulson (2020); Matthew Cappo (2019); John Belmont (2018); Marina Shafik (2017); Paige Evans (2016); Mary Arczynski (2015); Katrina Snyder (2014); Tuba Ahmed (2012); Stephanie LeBlanc (2011); Kate McFarland (2010); Karly Moletteri (2009); Virginia Ficker (2008); Alexandra Meador (2007); Rachael Weber (2006)

Award for Excellence in Service

Haley Huchler (2023); Leah Cotton (2021); Emma Wagner (2020); Jennifer Lloyd (2019); Meagan Foy (2018); Branden Meyers (2017); Andrea Croft & Lindsey Painter (2016); Shayda Mohajer (2015); Jonathan Brooks (2014); Kimberly Madures (2013); Joseph Boelsche (2012); Matthew Hawkins (2011); Kristin MacKinnon (2010); Morgan Ward (2009); Caitlin Scarano (2008); Heather Luciano (2007); Lauren Wallace (2006)

The Cynthia Gilliatt Bibliophile Award

Haylee Edwards (2023); Hannah Martin (2022); Emily Morgan (2021); Leah Onderdonk (2020); Jenna Wine (2019); Alexander Whitehurst (2018); Kristen Greiner (2017); Wendell Austell (2016); Benjamin Stoll (2015); Emily Fischer (2014); Sarah Stacy (2013); Alexander Stinson (2012); Aimee Brasseur (2011); Sara Aultman (2010); Caroline Braun (2009)

Award for Excellence in the Study of Critical Theory and Rhetoric

Jessica Carter (2020); Faith Whittemore (2018); Lauren Fleetwood (2014); Erica Figert (2013); Chelsea Farmer (2012)

Award for Excellence in the Study of Critical Theory

Lillie Jacob (2019); Rob Porter (2017)

Jean Cash Award for Excellence in the Study of Southern Literature

Lauren Rothmann (2020); Leah Onderdonk (2019); Benjamin Culpepper (2018); Taran O'Grady (2016); Allen Luethke & Katherine Sederstrom (2015); Jonathan Dick & Vincent Castellano (2013); Joseph Vanover (2011); Matthew Hawkins (2010); Emily Langhorne and Travis Prillaman (2009); Alex Norcross (2008); Douglas Zimmerman (2007); Gregory Pollock (2006)

Award for Excellence in Critical Thinking and Analysis

Cassandra Scanlon (2023); Mattie King (2022); Morgan Lyle (2020); Emma Holleran (2019); Victoria Hafner (2015); Sarah Dugan (2014)

Geoffrey Morley-Mower Award for the Study of British Literature

Sydney Dudley (2023); Haylee Edwards (2022); Lydia Hugo (2021); Ardyn Tennyson (2019); Alexander Pickens (2018); Macy Pniewski (2017); Anne Hardrick (2016); Megan O'Neill (2015); Kathleen Bryant (2014); Kelly Ostergren (2013); Lyndsey Marcus (2012); Ryan McLaughlin (2011); Lauren Corbett (2010); Megan Shank (2009); Callyn Lepine (2008); Lindsay Fiesthumel (2007); Christina Curry (2006)

Award for Excellence in the Study of Digital Humanities

Kelsey Liske (2022); Beth Davies (2013) 

Special Award of Achievement by a Returning Student

Caroline FitzGerald (2022); Jennifer Monger (2019); Colleen Patricia Hoeffling (2009)

Award for Excellence in the Study of the English Language and Linguistics

Elizabeth Shanks (2023); Jessica Laura Park (2021); Elija Jacobs (2019); Alyssa Kidwell (2018); George Merryman (2017); Ashley Comer (2016); Rachael Padgett (2015); Julia Posey (2014); Victoria Foster (2013); Madeline Berkheimer (2012); Elise Stilwell (2011); Jacqueline Quattrocchi (2010); Stephanie Walker (2009); Valerie Hargis (2008); Brian Kim (2007); Robin Smith (2006)

Teacher-Scholar Award for Excellence in the Study of English by a Secondary Education Minor

Hailey Stanley (2023); Kevin Bie (2022); Patrice Splan (2019); Kayla Chonoles (2018); Christina DiMinni (2017); Angelica Babauta (2016); Kelly Ann Conner (2015); Hannah Limbaugh (2014); Elyse Krachman (2013); Kaitlyn Schmit (2012); Nichole Ehlers and Mary McCaferty (2011); Emily Young (2010); Anne Noffsinger (2009); Stephen Schiller (2008); Gregory Thompson (2007); Erin Herring (2006)

Award for Excellence in the Study of Humanities

Gabriela Powell (2023)

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