Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs’ Diversity Award           Click here for application form
This award is given annually to a student in good academic and disciplinary standing who demonstrates through individual initiative or programming an outstanding commitment to improving diversity at Western Carolina University.  Special consideration will be given to those activities which promote improved race relations on campus, especially among students.  The recipient will receive a $500.00 award, and will be encouraged to make a presentation at the Undergraduate Expo that outlines his/her award-winning initiative or program. The selection committee reserves the right not to issue this award if there is no candidate who fulfills the intent of the award.  Students may self-nominate or seek a nomination from a member of the student body, faculty, or staff. 

Dean Plemmons Scholarship           Click here for application form  
The purpose of this scholarship is to provide support for returning students who are active or were past participants in at least three of the following organizations or activities:
- A campus social organization (fraternity or sorority)
- A civic or campus service organization
- A campus academic organization
- A campus organization that promotes WCU (athletic team, cheerleader, band, etc.)
- Grade requirement of 3.0 GPA

Jacob Spencer Medford Service Learning Scholarship          Click here for application form 
The Jacob Spencer Medford Service Learning Scholarship is a $1,000 award. All full-time undergraduate students may apply. Interested recipients must reapply for the scholarship before the end of the academic year. While the scholarship is competitive, renewal is likely if all criteria continue to be met and responsibilities are maintained. Scholarship recipients are also eligible to reside in the Service Learning theme housing (Civic Place). Applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Be enrolled as a full-time student at Western Carolina University
- Have a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA – Incoming freshmen must have a ‘B’ high school grade
- Indicate plans to seek a career in a service-related field
- Document previous significant involvement in community service
- Submit a two-page typed double spaced essay on “The Importance of Community Service or Service Learning”
- Indicate a willingness to participate in the service learning program during the fall and spring semesters

Henry Lewis Suggs Award          Click here for application form
The Henry Lewis Suggs Award of Excellence represents the highest and most prestigious cultural diversity and humanitarian award at Western Carolina University.  It was established in 1990 to honor Dr. Suggs, the first African-American professor at the University.  Recipients are selected for their outstanding achievement in the areas of leadership, scholarship, cultural diversity and service.  The award includes a cash gift and certificate to the student selected. 

Leadership Scholarship           Click here for application form
The Jacob Spencer Medford Leadership Scholarship is intended for student leaders with an interest in continuing their leadership development and involvement in civic engagement. Students must be enrolled full-time; have a 3.0 GPA; be involved in a program of We Lead; be involved in active civic engagement; participate in a campus leadership position in a club, group or organization; and actively participate with a staff mentor.

Family Association Scholarship          Click here for application form
This scholarship is a one-time, non-renewable award. The winner is selected based on overall academic achievement, civic and social involvement, and leadership potential. Preference is given to students whose parents are members of the WCU Family Association, but membership is not required.

Women’s Leadership Scholarship          Click here for application form
The Women’s Leadership Scholarship is designed to recognize and support women involved in campus leadership initiatives and programs. Any female sophomore, junior, or senior student, involved in clubs or organizations, leadership activities in the classroom, community service and service learning, and/or any other form of leadership or service that has a positive impact on other women are eligible to apply. Additional requirements include:
- Current GPA of 3.0 or above
- Essay on the impact and importance of leadership at WCU and in the surrounding community
- Two letters of recommendation from non-relatives 
 

For information about additional scholarships, contact:
Office of Financial Aid
132 Killian Annex
(828) 227-7290
finaid@wcu.edu

Graduate students seeking financial assistance should contact:
Graduate School
109 Cordelia Camp Building
(828) 227-7398

Notification of Student Recipients
The University Scholarship Committee sends each scholarship recipient award letter. This letter includes the amount of the award and an agreement form outlining the criteria of the scholarship for the student to sign and return.

Students are required to send a thank-you note to the donor when appropriate, with a copy to Student Affairs.

Students are normally notified of awards after grades have been posted for spring semester. The Financial Aid Office is notified of awards, and scholarships are posted to student accounts after the recipients have returned the signed agreement form and thank-you letter.