English Scholarship and Award Opportunities

Scholarship Opportunities

All scholarship opportunities can be found on the WCU Scholarships page or the WCU Scholarship Portal.

Janice Blanton Memorial Scholarship

Endowed through the generosity of Sam Blanton, this scholarship provides support for students pursuing a degree in English.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Major in English with first preference given to students with a concentration in editing in a professional environment
• Preference given to students from Jackson County (NC) or graduates of Smoky Mountain High School
• Preference given to students with demonstrated financial need

Crum English Scholarship

This endowed scholarship fund was established in honor of Joseph and Mabel Crum, and provides support for English majors with substantial community involvement.

Eligibility Requirements

• Major in English
• Sophomore, junior, or senior
• Academic achievement
• Participation in school activities
• Social and civic contribution

Danielle "Dani" West Morgan Scholarship (English)

The scholarship was endowed by Bill and Susan Morgan and Barry and Terry Morgan in honor and memory of Danielle "Dani" West Morgan, a 2004 graduate of Western Carolina University. The fund provides scholarship support to students who are majoring in English or Criminal Justice and who have outstanding moral integrity and a commitment to service. The scholarship alternates between English and criminal justice majors.

Eligibility Requirements

• 3.0 GPA
• Major in English
• Preference given to juniors and seniors
• No sanctions in place at the time of award
• Preference given to students with financial need
• Preference given to students who demonstrate outstanding moral integrity and a commitment to service
• This scholarship alternates between the English and criminal justice programs

Dr. William R. Higgins English Scholarship

Endowed through the generosity of Gerald and Judy Matheny, this scholarship is in honor of Dr. William Higgins and provides support for students who are majoring in English.

Eligibility Requirements

• 3.0 GPA
• Major in English
• Junior or senior
• Fulltime enrollment (12 hours each semester)
• No sanctions in place at the time of award
• Financial need may be considered by committee
• Preference given to students who excel not only in academics, but also in campus and community leadership

William Higgins - Dennis McKevlin Scholarship

Endowed through the generosity of John and Melanie Davis, this scholarship provides financial support to students majoring in English. John is an alumnus of Western Carolina University.

Eligibility Requirements

• 3.0 GPA
• Major in English
• Juniors and seniors
• Good academic standing

Curtis and Enid Meltzer Scholarship

Endowed through the generosity of Curtis and Enid Meltzer, this scholarship fund provides support to students who are pursuing a bachelor's degree in one of the College of Arts and Sciences programs. Curtis enrolled in a number of history courses at Western Carolina University following his retirement in Highlands, North Carolina.

Eligibility Requirements

• 3.5 GPA
• Preference given to students pursuing a bachelor's degree within the College of Arts and Sciences
• Rising junior
• No sanctions in force at the time of award

• This scholarship may be renewed for the senior year as long as the recipient maintains a 3.5 GPA.

Award Opportunities

Dean’s Outstanding Scholars Awards for BA, BSEd, MA 

Faculty teaching in the English BA, BSEd, and MA programs choose a senior who demonstrates high scholarly achievements for this award. The students and their guests are invited to an award cereomny in the spring.

Student Ambassadors for English Studies

Outstanding students are invited to apply for the department's Student Amassador program. These students represent the department at Open Houses, work on recruiting new students, and serve on the Student Advisory Committee.