Awards and Grants

Carl E. Smith Memorial Award

Established by the Class of 1966, alumni and friends, this award honors Dr. Carl Smith, the psychology department's founding chairperson. Recipients, who are nominated by faculty, receive a monetary award and their names are engraved on a plaque displayed in the department. Psychology majors who are graduating seniors and continuing their education at an institution of higher learning are eligible.

Daniel J. Elias Endowment Fund

The Daniel J. Elias Endowment Fund was established in 2007. It provides funds for honors program research and an annual honors colloquium. The colloquium shows student research and features an internationally known researcher. First-semester juniors who have completed PSY 206 Experimental Psychology are eligible. Application materials are available in the psychology office (Bradley Hall, Room 80) or can be downloaded here.

Thomas F. O’Grady Experiential Learning Endowment Fund

Established by Thomas O'Grady '93 in 2012, the endowment finances students' academic experiences outside traditional classrooms. These experiences foster communication, research and critical thinking skills.

Dr. Judith J. Carta Annual Scholarship

Carta '72 established this scholarship to mentor student recipients and to encourage research of childhood development. Carta is a professor of special education and senior scientist at the University of Kansas. She also is director of early childhood research at KU's Juniper Gardens Children's Project. In 2014, she was named director of "Bridging the Word Gap Network," a national network of experts in language and literacy development funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Eligibility: The scholarship is available to full-time juniors or seniors psychology majors who plan to pursue graduate education or a profession related to childhood development. Preference is given to students who have completed coursework in child development and who demonstrate financial need as determined by the Office of Financial Assistance.

Selection process: Eligible students complete a brief application distributed each year by the psychology department. Recommendations are then provided to the Office of Financial Assistance.

Outstanding Senior Award

This award is presented annually to the graduating psychology major who excels in academics and leadership. Students are nominated by psychology faculty.

Community Practicum Award

This award is presented annually to a PSY 342 student who has demonstrated the highest levels of psychological skill, engagement and professional demeanor during his or her placement. Students are nominated by psychology faculty.