College of Education & Human Services

School of Education Graduate Student Scholarships

The School of Education offers several scholarships and awards. We are thankful for the generosity of our many donors and their willingness to support our outstanding students. If you would like to contribute to one or more of these worthwhile scholarships, please contact the WIU Foundation Office. Thank you!

WIU Scholarship Office

For questions regarding scholarships or the application process, please contact the Chair of the School of Education Scholarship Committee.


Jay W. Stein Scholarship

The Jay W. Stein Young Scholars Award was established by the Society of Educators and Scholars in honor of its founder. Applicants should demonstrate the promise of high quality, productive research and writing, a devotion to human kindness and integrity, and an insight for the interdisciplinary in his/her degree.
GPA: N/A
Qualified applicants: Senior or graduate students in any academic discipline in the College of Education and Human Services or the College or Arts and Sciences
Deadline to apply: March 15th
Award amount: $600
Apply Online


Dr. Joseph S. and Mrs. Carol C. Kersting Scholarship

The Dr. Joseph S. Kersting Scholarship was established by friends, colleagues,and former students of Joe Kersting upon his retirement from the Educational Foundations Department. Applicants should demonstrate commitment and dedication to their profession.
GPA: N/A
Qualified applicants: Undergraduate or graduate students in Bilingual/ESL education, Culture and Education graduate track, or minoring in Corrections Education
Deadline to apply: March 15th
Award amount:
$500
Apply Online


M. Lynne Brown Memorial

The M. Lynne Brown Memorial was established by Nancy K. Young-Brown, a WIU graduate, as a memorial to her daughter, M. Lynne Brown, who died in January of 1982. Applicants should demonstrate contributions to the education community.
GPA: 3.5 cumulative
Qualified applicants: Graduate students in the Curriculum and Instruction Master's Degree with a specialization in Early Childhood
Other requirements: Applicants must have at least 15 semester hours completed at WIU.
Deadline to apply: March 15th
Award amount: $300 per year
Apply Online


Wilson & Winifred Stone

The scholarship was established by Wilson’s wife Winifred, daughters Stephany Joy-Newman of Macomb, and Marjory Mattly of San Diego, and colleagues and friends.
GPA: n/a
Qualified applicants: Graduate students in the Reading Master's Degree
Other requirements: Applicants must have at least 15 semester hours of graduate coursework at WIU. If there is no eligible applicant in Reading, graduate students from the Department of Special Education may apply.
Deadline to apply: March 15th
Award amount: Approximately $500 per semester
Apply Online


Dr. Roscoe G. Linder Graduate

The Roscoe G. Linder Education-Graduate was established by Dr. Roscoe Linder. Applicants must demonstrate dependability, leadership, and service, as well as demonstrate excellence in administration and supervision.
GPA: 3.5
Qualified applicants: Graduate students in the Teacher Education Program
Other requirements: Must have completed 12 semester hour of graduate education and have satisfactory academic progress.
Deadline to apply amount: March 15th
Award amount: Up to $1000 (2 installments)
Apply Online


Educational Leadership Awards and Scholarships

Arnold W. “Arnie” Salisbury Educational Leadership Award

This award is given annually to a student who has earned the EdS in Educational Leadership and has displayed exemplary leadership skills in his or her professional career. The faculty in the Educational Leadership program select students each spring to receive the Salisbury award. Recipients of these awards are chosen through a process of faculty nomination and selection.


Norman L. and Eileen A. Krong Award

This award is given in recognition of high scholastic achievement in the Educational Leadership master’s degree program and promise for continuing educational leadership. The faculty in the Educational Leadership program select a student each spring to receive the Krong award. Recipient of the award is chosen through a process of faculty nomination and selection.


Robert F. Hall Dissertation Award

This award is given annually to a student who has completed an EdD in Educational Leadership and is in recognition of excellence in dissertation research. The faculty in the Educational Leadership program select a student each spring to receive the Hall Dissertation award. Recipient of the award is chosen through a process of faculty nomination and selection.


Diversity Partners Program

Qualified candidates in the Educational Leadership program receive two tuition waivers with a value of three semester hours each to use for registration in their first two principal or superintendent licensure courses. Candidate will receive two additional tuition waivers with a value of three semester hours each upon successful completion of the initial two courses with a GPA of 3.5 or higher. The Educational Leadership program awards up to a total of 48 semester hours per year.
GPA: N/A foir the first two tuition waivers
Qualified applicants:

  1. Graduate student in the Educational Leadership program.
  2. Candidate must be a minority.
  3. Candidate must meet the stated criteria for admission to the principal preparation or the superintendent licensure program.
  4. Candidate must plan to work in a school setting upon completion of the program as a principal or superintendent or other school leadership position.
  5. Candidate must be eligible for certification as an Illinois school principal or superintendent upon completion of the program.

Deadline to apply: Rolling
Apply to: Diversity Partners Program Application


John D. and Mary Denise Ranger Scholarship

The John D. and Mary Denise Ranger Scholarship was established by WIU alumnus, John D. Ranger.
GPA: 3.0 cumulative
Qualified applicants: Graduate students in any Master's degree within the Educational Leadership program
Other requirements: Applicants must have at least 15 semester hours completed at WIU and documented community and/or university activities, and accomplishments, or awards. Preference as follows: The candidate’s major interest is in serving in the leadership capacity of school principal, The candidate is interested in furthering his/her education by completing the Educational Specialist degree, The candidate is interested in pursuing a doctorate and advancing to the leadership position of superintendent. Two essays are required: persuasive essay and description of leadership work.
Deadline to apply: March 15th
Award amount:$1000 ($500 fall and $500 spring)
Apply to:


American Association of School Administrators (AASA) Scholarships

GPA: N/A
Qualified applicants: Graduate students in the Education Specialist/Superintendency certification program
Other Requirements: Applicant must be recommended by the chair of the school of education in which the applicant is currently enrolled. Must have or will obtain a membership in AASA.
Deadline to apply: September 30th
Award amount: $2,500
Contact information: bfutrell@aasa.org
Apply to:
ASSA.org