The Witherspoon Scholarship is an endowed scholarship made possible by the generous donation of Margaret E. and Douglas F. Witherspoon whose daughters, Laura ('12) and Catherine ('17) were members of the JMU Honors College.

Each summer, one scholarship of $4,700 will be available for a student who seeks to complete an immersive summer research experience with a mentor, on- or off-campus. The student can be assisting with an ongoing faculty project as long as the student has ample opportunity for growth and development. The funding is designed to directly support student expenses, including (but not limited to) summer living expenses, research costs, travel, stipend, etc. Funding will be disbursed as a scholarship; students must therefore be enrolled in at least 1 summer credit (they can enroll in 1 Honors credit for the summer if needed; they may use part of the Witherspoon to cover this credit, as needed).

The Witherspoon Scholars must be Honors College students in good standing completing their first or second year at James Madison University. They must demonstrate a strong interest and desire to study within the field of research or scholarly activity proposed by a faculty member.

Awards will rotate: a three-year period is required before awards can be made again to students engaged in research or scholarly activity in a particular college.