Byrd-Mims Journalism Scholarships

Scholarship Overview

The Byrd-Mims Journalism Scholarships were enhanced in 2009 by a $250,000 donation to JMU’s journalism scholarship endowment, from the late Virginia Senator Harry F. Byrd Jr., whose family owned Harrisonburg’s Daily News-Record/Rockingham Publishing. The scholarships honor their benefactor, Sen. Byrd, and his longtime friend and associate D. Lathan Mims, who helped coordinate the senator’s campaigns, and who served for many years as editor and general manager of the Daily News-Record.

In 2020, a scholarship that has averaged $3,000 will be awarded to the most deserving JMU journalism student. The award is based on commitment to journalism, high academic achievement and possibly financial need. Students may apply as a rising senior. An awardee is expected to enroll for a minimum of 12 hours each semester during the year s/he receives the scholarship. Typically, the scholarship is awarded to a Media Arts & Design major studying journalism. However, the selection committee also considers other evidence of commitment to the profession, including journalism-related coursework, work with campus print media and professional journalism internships. The selection committee may interview finalists for the award.

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Annual award amount
Four $3,250 scholarships

Eligibility Criteria
Senior  

GPA
Minimum 2.75

Eligibility Requirements

Rising seniors are eligible to apply.

Special application requirements

While not required, you may file an online FAFSA form for 2017-18, documenting financial need. The FAFSA must be filed at least TWO WEEKS before the March 17 application deadline for all scholarships. See https://www.jmu.edu/finaid.