Awards / Scholarships

McBee IHE students often receive internal and external fellowships, internships, scholarships, and awards to help with coursework, research, dissertation writing, and travel. Annually, our faculty recognize doctoral students with awards. These unit awards include:

Thomas G. Dyer Outstanding Dissertation Research Award

Given annually to a doctoral student who is pursuing rigorous original scholarship in the field of higher education. Eligible students will have completed their comprehensive qualifying exams and be in the early stages of dissertation research. The award is named in honor and memory of University Professor, Professor of Higher Education and History, and longtime University of Georgia administrator, Thomas G. Dyer, who served as Institute director at the time of his retirement in 2006. This award is designed to promote and support excellence in the study of higher education through doctoral research.

Giving to the Thomas G. Dyer Academic Support Fund helps sponsor this award.

Sue Henderson Mentorship Award

Presented annually, the Sue Henderson Mentorship Award recognizes a Ph.D. student who demonstrates academic excellence, a generosity of spirit, and a commitment to helping nurture the development and success of other graduate students. The award is named in honor of Sue Henderson, a 2008 PhD graduate of the McBee Institute who served as president of New Jersey City University, on the Board of Directors of the Hispanic Colleges and Universities Association, and on the Board of Governors of the National Collegiate Athletics Association.

Giving to the Sue E. Henderson Graduate Student Engagement Award Fund helps sponsor this award.

Louise McBee Scholars

The title of McBee Scholar recognizes outstanding doctoral students who show potential for leadership in higher education. Scholars receive funding to assist with their research pursuits and an assistantship. The award is named in honor and memory of Georgia legislator and UGA administrator, Louise McBee.

Zell and Shirley Miller Fellowship

Awarded annually to a doctoral student of high promise in the McBee Institute of Higher Education. In making its determination, the McBee IHE Graduate Studies Committee takes into account the scholarly potential of the candidate together with an assessment of his/her academic record and professional achievement. The fellowship was established to support doctoral study of significant issues in the field of higher education.

Giving to the Zell and Shirley Miller Fellowship helps sponsor this award.

Libby V. Morris Leadership Award

Recognizes a student who shows potential for leadership in colleges and universities and fosters a commitment to the land-grant missions of instruction, research, and public service. Dr. Morris served as director of the Louise McBee Institute of Higher Education, 2006-2022, with breaks in 2010 when she was vice provost for academic affairs, and 2013-2014 and 2018-2019 when she was interim senior vice president for academic affairs and provost. Currently, Dr. Morris serves as University Professor Emerita and Zell Miller Distinguished Professor Emerita, as well as the Executive Director of the Institute’s Executive Doctorate Program.

Giving to the Libby V. Morris Graduate Student Endowment helps sponsor this award.

J. Douglas Toma Excellence in Scholarship and Service Award

Presented annually to a student who combines a strong record of academic achievement with commitment to the professional field. In making its determination, the Graduate Studies committee considers the student’s academic achievement and his/her service to the profession, as noted by institutional engagement and/or service to the profession. The award is named in honor and memory of J. Douglas Toma, professor of higher education and founder of the Institute of Higher Education’s Executive Doctoral Program in Higher Education Management. Professor Toma was committed to developing scholars and leaders in American and international higher education.

Giving to the J. Douglas Toma Support Fund helps sponsor this award.