December 08, 2010
Applications sought for Gholson Scholarship
CARBONDALE, Ill. -- Southern Illinois high school students who are interested in pursuing a teaching career can apply for a scholarship named in memory of two individuals who believed in the importance of education.
Applications are being accepted for the Rex and Mary Ann Gholson Scholarship. Eligible applicants must be graduates of a high school in the southern Illinois counties of Gallatin, Hamilton, Saline or White. Applicants must have attained junior status at SIU, while majoring in education with plans of pursuing a teaching career. A grade point average of 2.75 - 3.5 (on a 4.0 scale) is preferred. In addition, community and/or college and university service involvement will be considered.
Ronald E. Gholson, who received three degrees from Southern, established the scholarship in 2007 in memory of his parents, who stressed the importance of education to their four children. Gholson earned a bachelor’s in social studies education in1966, a master’s in secondary education in 1972, and a doctorate in education in 1976.
In addition to honoring his parents, the Broughton, Ill., native and 1962 Eldorado High School graduate established the scholarship to assist students in the four-county area in need of financial support. Many of the school districts in the region have high concentrations of low-income families.
“My parents were lifelong southeastern Illinois residents. They were committed to formal education,” Gholson says. “I’ve been happy to be a part of helping young people in those four counties. It would be nice to have more students apply for the award, which would foster competition. My goal is to help someone from southeastern Illinois complete their degree and become a good teacher.”
A selection committee determines the number of recipients and amount of the award on an annual basis. The Southern Illinois University Foundation and the College of Education and Human Services administer the scholarship.
After attaining his bachelor’s, Gholson commenced a 35-year career in education. He taught nine years at Norris City Omaha Enfield High School and 26 years in higher education. He spent 25 of those years as a professor at Eastern Illinois University. Gholson retired in 2001 and still resides in Charleston.
To apply for this scholarship, log on to the Financial Aid Office website at: fao.siu.edu/scholarships/sch_search.php, or the College of Education and Human Services website at: web.coehs.siu.edu/public/scholarships.php. For more information, call Jodi Miley at 618/453-6319. The deadline for all applications is Feb. 1.