Through the generosity of donors to the School of Social Work who believe in the potential each student has to make a difference in our communities, we are pleased to offer the following scholarships in support of students pursuing the Bachelors of Social Work (BSW) degree.
Below you will find brief descriptions of each scholarship. Scholarship amounts are also listed, but please note that these are estimates and are subject to change.
Students may apply by using the online application that is linked under each individual scholarship. Applications will be screened to determine eligibility for each award.
Dr. Jan Carter-Black Scholarship for Commitment to Diversity and Leadership
After a 21-year career at a private residential child welfare agency that included direct practice and administrative positions, Dr. Jan Carter-Black (PhD, ’05, MSW, ’95, BALAS, ’77) joined the School of Social Work faculty in 2005. Dr. Carter-Black teaches the Diversity: Identity & Issues course, which is required of all undergraduate students in social work, and an option for all other undergraduate students on campus to fulfill a general education course requirement. Put simply, Jan directly and profoundly impacts hundreds of students each semester. This scholarship was created in her honor by former students who credit Dr. Carter-Black for their successes. This scholarship is awarded to a deserving social work student who demonstrates high academic achievement, a commitment to the School and the campus community through involvement and leadership, and a commitment to diversity through research or practice.
Awarded to a deserving social work student (BSW, MSW, or PhD) who demonstrates high academic achievement, a commitment to the School and the campus community through involvement and leadership, and a commitment to diversity through research or practice. Letter of support from a faculty or staff member is required.
Jim and Joanna Dudley Scholarship
Dr. James “Jim” Dudley (MSW, ’66, BS, ’64) came to the University of Illinois for his undergraduate degree and like many first year students he had very little idea of what kind of career he wanted to prepare for. He was drawn to something that would “help people” and decided on a degree in teaching mathematics. He was soon introduced to the profession of social work and the endless possiblities for not only helping people, but also helping them overcome oppression from poverty, racial discrimination, or an inadequate education. Dr. Dudley enrolled in the MSW where he worked on a project to support women with no access to prenatal care. He completed his PhD in social work in 1979 and has served on the faculties at Temple University and the University of North Carolina Charlotte, where he still holds the appointment of professor emeritus. Dr. Dudley created this scholarship to support students interested in addressing and overcoming problems at the macro level, such as poverty, discrimination, poor health, and/or hopelessness.
Awarded to a deserving BSW or MSW student, with preference given to those interested in social work at the macro practice level to address and overcome such problems as poverty, discrimination, poor health, and hopelessness in the lives of others.
John K. Gibson and Nancy L. White-Gibson Scholarship
Nancy White-Gibson (MSW, ’92) joined the Field Education team at the School of Social Work in 2012. She previously worked with physical rehabilitation at a hospital in Rockford, IL, where she also served as the social worker for the traumatic brain injury team. For 11 years, Nancy provided counseling services and managed a team of therapists in the Minneapolis area. She also published a collection of short stories for young readers that focused on topics of diversity, illness, foster care, and safety. She has been providing counseling services in Central IL since 2006. This scholarship was created to honor her late husband and supports students in the BSW and MSW programs.
Awarded to deserving students enrolled in either the BSW or MSW degree programs.
Yvonne Gilmore Scholarship in Social Work
Deryk (MBA, ’96, MS, ’96) and Camille (MBA, ’96) Gilmore created this scholarship to honor Deryk’s mother, Yvonne Gilmore, who was a nurse. The scholarship was created to support students who demonstrate involvement in their community and promote diversity within the School of Social Work.
Awarded to a social work student (BSW, MSW, or PhD) who is passionate and committed to improving the well-being of their community. Preference shall be given to students who want to work within the Black community, and/or are involved with the Association of Black Social Workers and/or the Bruce Nesbitt African American Cultural Center on campus.
Susan & Michael Haney Social Work Scholarship
Susan and Michael Haney are long-time supporters of the School of Social Work and several other units at the U of I. Michael (PhD, ’85, MS, ’81) joined the faculty at the College of Engineering immediately following the completion of his PhD and remained there until his retirement in 2014. Susan (BS, ’82) transferred to U of I as an undergraduate in 1979 and has been an active volunteer in the local community ever since. Despite their educations in Grainger and Gies colleges, respectively, the Haneys have directed their philanthropic support to the performing arts, the Chez Veterans Center, the College of Education, and the School of Social Work due to their passion for social justice. They are keenly aware of how the arts enrich all our lives and the importance of social workers, and the research, education, and community engagement provided by our school. They established this scholarship to support BSW students during their sophomore, junior, or senior year who display strong academic achievement, volunteer service, leadership, and/or a passion for social justice.
Awarded to students who are entering their sophomore, junior, or senior year and are continuing their studies in the field of social work. Recipients shall be selected based on demonstrated academic achievement, financial need, volunteer service, leadership, work history, and passion for social justice. Funding is awarded the following academic year when the recipient will be entering their sophomore, junior, or senior year of study.
Wynne S. Korr Scholarship
Dr. Wynne Korr was Dean and Professor at the School of Social Work from 2002-2017. Dean Korr led the school through one of its history’s most significant periods of change. Her tenure saw the development of the Leadership and Social Change track for MSW students, the re-establishment of the BSW program, the launch of the Community Learning Lab, a research enhancement initiative involving both the Children and Family Research Center and other faculty projects, and overseeing a 30-year-old promise of new facilities come to fruition. Dean Korr created this scholarship to support students transferring to U of I to complete their BSW degrees.
Awarded to a BSW or iBSW student with preference given to incoming freshman or transfer students who generally have the most significant unmet financial need.
Becca Nimmer Marcus Scholarship
Becca Nimmer Marcus (MSW, ’83) has established herself as an outstanding graduate of the School of Social Work. She has been involved in many crucial mental health activities. She is currently on staff at the College of William and Mary as the Director of Mindfulness Training at the Center for Mindfulness and Authentic Excellence. She previously served at the same institution’s Counseling Center for 20 years. In 2021, she co-authored a paper that examined the efficacy of university-offered mindfulness training on perceived stress. This scholarship was established by Paul Marcus, Becca’s husband, to honor her lifelong career in helping college students succeed and find balance in their lives.
Awarded to a deserving BSW or MSW student with a strong interest in the field of mental health.
Roxie A. Watson Memorial Scholarship
This award was created by Carol Watson (BSW, ’80) to honor her late mother. The award is intended to support current students who have succeeded in their academic pursuits despite encountering obstacles to success and have demonstrated a desire to make a difference but who may not typically qualify for assistance.
Awarded to a deserving BSW student from an underrepresented population and is specializing in mental health or child welfare. Preference shall be given to students who are interested in pursuing a career dedicated to the support and advancement of the Black/African American community.
Youngsoon Park Scholarship for Social Work
Youngsoon Park (1917-2009) was a talented and inspiring storyteller. From the time of her birth until her mid-30s, she survived the Japanese colonial rule of Korea and the Korean War. The Youngsoon Park Scholarship for Social Work was established by Dr. Ga-Young Choi (PhD, ’09, MSW, ’02) to honor her grandmother, Youngsoon Park. Dr. Choi recalls growing up and listening to her grandmother’s stories detailing what it was like to live through these two historical periods. Her stories centered on taking each life experience, even the adverse ones, as opportunities for learning and growth. Dr. Choi fondly remembers her grandmother’s resiliency, curiosity, and genuine care for others. She hopes this scholarship and her grandmother’s story inspire student recipients to develop and cultivate these qualities in themselves and others. Beyond honoring her grandmother, Dr. Choi hopes this scholarship will bring awareness to the Korean American community. Asian Americans are the fastest-growing ethnic minority in the United States, and Korean Americans are the fifth-largest Asian ethnic group. Despite these facts, Korean American practitioners in healthcare, mental health, and social services report that there are not enough Korean speaking helping professionals to serve this population. Dr. Choi envisions this scholarship motivating its recipients to contribute to enhancing the well-being of this population in any way they can.
Awarded to BSW or MSW students who are passionate and committed to improving the well-being of the Korean American community in the United States. Preference given to students who are conversationally bi-lingual in English and Korean languages and/or have demonstrated financial need. Further preference shall be given to students who have made ongoing efforts to learn and serve the Korean American community, such as independent study or volunteer experience in the Korean American community, and students participating in a study abroad program in Korea through the University.