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 Dyer Support 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 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 Institute from 2006-2022 and serving as the Zell Miller distinguished professor of higher education.
Giving to the 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.
2023-24 Award Recipients
Alex Monday | Thomas G. Dyer Outstanding Dissertation Research Award |
Jillian Morn | Libby V. Morris Leadership Award |
Renni Turpin | J. Douglas Toma Excellence in Scholarship and Service Award |
Hunter Jones & Ananya Malik | Louise McBee Scholars |
Emily Chen Bendle | Zell & Shirley Miller Fellowship |
2022-23 Award Recipients
Sean Baser | Thomas G. Dyer Outstanding Dissertation Research Award |
Mary Kate Steinbeck | Libby V. Morris Leadership Award |
Emily Chen Bendle | J. Douglas Toma Excellence in Scholarship and Service Award |
Davonte' Biggers | Louise McBee Scholar |
Alexa Arndt | Zell & Shirley Miller Fellowship |
2021-22 Award Recipients
Charles Sanchez | Thomas G. Dyer Outstanding Dissertation Research Award |
Alexa Arndt & Ben Cecil | Libby V. Morris Leadership Award |
Julianne O'Connell | J. Douglas Toma Excellence in Scholarship and Service Award |
Matt Gregory | Zell & Shirley Miller Fellowship |
2020-21 Award Recipients
Hee Jung Gong | Thomas G. Dyer Outstanding Dissertation Research Award |
Erin Leach | Libby V. Morris Leadership Award |
Matt Gregory | J. Douglas Toma Excellence in Scholarship and Service Award |
Jennifer May-Trifiletti | Zell & Shirley Miller Fellowship |
2019-20 Award Recipients
Jennifer May-Trifiletti | Thomas G. Dyer Outstanding Dissertation Research Award |
Justin Jeffery | Libby V. Morris Leadership Award |
Josh Patterson | J. Douglas Toma Excellence in Scholarship and Service Award |
Lindsey Hammond | Zell & Shirley Miller Fellowship |
2018-19 Award Recipients
Lindsey Hammond | Thomas G. Dyer Outstanding Dissertation Research Award |
Charles Sanchez | Libby V. Morris Leadership Award |
Emmanuel Little | J. Douglas Toma Excellence in Scholarship and Service Award |
Melissa Whatley | Zell & Shirley Miller Fellowship |
2017-18 Award Recipients
Melissa Whatley | Thomas G. Dyer Outstanding Dissertation Research Award |
Karley Riffe | J. Douglas Toma Excellence in Scholarship and Service Award |
Lori Hagood | Zell & Shirley Miller Fellowship |
2016-17 Award Recipients
Kristin Linthicum | Thomas G. Dyer Outstanding Dissertation Research Award |
Tiffanie Spencer | J. Douglas Toma Excellence in Scholarship and Service Award |
Rachel Burns | Zell & Shirley Miller Fellowship |
Past Award Recipients
Jason C. Lee | 2015-16, Zell & Shirley Miller Fellowship |
2014-15, Zell & Shirley Miller Fellowship | |
Denisa Gándara | 2013-14, Zell & Shirley Miller Fellowship |
Jennifer Rippner | 2012-13, Zell & Shirley Miller Fellowship |
Barrett Taylor | 2011-12, Zell & Shirley Miller Fellowship |
Yarbrah Peeples | 2010-11, Zell & Shirley Miller Fellowship |
Stephanie Hazel | 2009-10, Zell & Shirley Miller Fellowship |
T. Austin Lacy | 2008-09, Zell & Shirley Miller Fellowship |
Angela Bell | 2007-08, Zell & Shirley Miller Fellowship |