PhD Scholarships
Applicants to and students currently enrolled in the PhD Program at the University of Utah College of Social Work are encouraged to apply for these scholarships.
American Indian Endowed Scholarship for Social Work Education
These scholarships were established in 1970 to support students of American Indian and Alaska Native ethnicity. These social work scholarships are made possible through a number of funding sources, including the University of Utah President’s Office; Tribal Nations and Councils; practicum agencies; the Indian Health Service; Bureau of Indian Affairs; and the Children’s Bureau of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. These scholarships were established in 1970 to support students of American Indian and Alaska Native ethnicity. These social work scholarships are made possible through a number of funding sources, including the University of Utah President’s Office; Tribal Nations and Councils; practicum agencies; the Indian Health Service; Bureau of Indian Affairs; and the Children’s Bureau of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
Community Advisory Board Scholarship
The College of Social Work’s Community Advisory Board (CAB) initiated this annual scholarship in 2014, which is funded by contributions from current and former board members. This scholarship supports Bachelor of Social Work students in the College of Social Work and may occasionally be awarded to graduate students, at the discretion of the Community Advisory Board. A sub-committee of CAB members are involved in the scholarship selection process; recipients may be invited to a board meeting with CAB members.
Eva V. Hancock Endowed Scholarship
Established in 2007 by a legacy gift from Eva V. Hancock, this scholarship supports undergraduate or graduate students interested in community leadership. Ms. Hancock earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Utah and the University of California at Berkeley. She lived her commitment to community service through her distinguished career, numerous volunteer activities, and as a charter member of the National Association of Social Workers.
Florence Smith Jacobsen Scholarship
A generous gift from Florence S. and Ted C. Jacobsen established the Jacobsen Scholars program at the College of Social Work in 1998. This scholarship supports PhD students with an academic focus on issues of concern to women, with particular emphasis on strengthening families. Whenever possible, recipients work in collaboration with the Belle S. Spafford Endowed Chair at the College of Social Work and the University’s Lowell Bennion Community Service Center. An additional application is required to be eligible for this scholarship; click here for the Florence Smith Jacobsen Scholarship application.
Gilbert Teemley-Smith Scholarship
Dr. Amanda Barusch established this scholarship in honor of her father, Gilbert Teemley Smith. The award supports first-generation College of Social Work graduate and undergraduate students, particularly those with a strong commitment to serving the Mexican American community.
Jamal O'Jack Scholarship
Dr. Stanislav O’Jack established this scholarship in memory of his wife, Jamal, who was pursuing a doctorate through the College at the time of her death; she would have graduated with the class of 1993. As a PhD student, Ms. O’Jack was interested in mental illness, depression, AIDS, and the delivery of mental health service in rural areas. The award is given to a graduate student who demonstrates promise in the field of mental health practice or research.
James C. & Lucile P. Hunter Endowed Scholarship
College of Social Work students interested in international, immigrant, and refugee issues are considered for this scholarship, which was endowed by Paul and Rosemarie Hunter in memory of James C. and Lucile P. Hunter. James and Lucile both had a high regard for education, Lucille teaching school all of her life and James reentering college after his retirement as a highway patrolman for the State of Utah. College of Social Work BSW, MSW, or PhD students with an interest in one or more of the previously mentioned areas and who demonstrate need are encouraged to apply.
Julia M. Watkins Endowed Scholarship
Following two years of generously supporting annual scholarships for social work students, College of Social Work alumna Dr. Julia Watkins, along with her husband Dr. Dennis A. Watkins, established this endowed scholarship in 2021 with a gift from the Dennis A. and Julia M. Watkins Foundation. The Julia M. Watkins Endowed Scholarship supports deserving students in the BSW, MSW, or PhD programs who have demonstrated financial need.
Lou Ann B. Jorgensen Doctoral Scholarship
Established in 2006, this scholarship supports PhD students who demonstrate excellence in scholarship at the doctoral level. Dr. Jorgensen gave generously of her time and energy in her work with doctoral students while she was associate dean, and she continued to support the College in many ways throughout her lifetime. This scholarship supports full time students who demonstrate excellence in academic performance, intellectual promise, and commitment to the field of social work at the doctoral level.
Louise Browning Endowed Scholarship
Louise Browning was a respected faculty member and inspirational mentor at the College of Social Work for many years. She was also a beloved and respected aunt to Robert Browning Andersen, who established this endowed scholarship in 2005 in her honor. The Browning Scholarship provides support to a deserving student in the College of Social Work who demonstrates financial need.
Maurice and Inez Warshaw Scholarship
The late Maurice Warshaw, noted Salt Lake philanthropist and civic leader, established this scholarship through an endowment in his will. The Warshaw Scholarship is awarded annually to social work students based on merit and need. Founder and chairman of the board of Grand Central Stores, Mr. Warshaw focused much of his philanthropy and community service on disability rights and issues. The Warshaw Scholarship was expanded by the family and friends following the death of Inez Warshaw in 1998.
PhD Matching Scholarship
The College of Social Work participates in a matching challenge scholarship, creating a 2-to-1 dollar match and generating over $200,000 in scholarship support through the years.
Pro Vita Bona et Longa Scholarship
Endowed in 2024, this scholarship is given to social work students who plan to work with older adults pro vita bona et longa (“for a good and long life”), and/or are committed to pursuing a career in gerontological in social work.
Robin Arnold-Williams Public Policy Endowed Scholarship
John D. Williams initiated this endowed scholarship in 2018 in honor of his late wife, esteemed College of Social Work alumna Robin Arnold-Williams. Family and friends quickly added their own generous contributions to this honor in tribute to Robin’s lifetime commitment to public service. John and a cadre of donors hope this scholarship encourages others to follow in Robin’s inspiring footsteps. The scholarship will be awarded to graduate students who are interested in a career in public policy and who are pursuing an MSW or PhD.
William McPhee Endowed Scholarship
This endowment was established in 1989 by Dr. William McPhee, a former College of Social Work faculty member. The scholarship is awarded to a PhD student who demonstrates outstanding promise in the area of social work research. It provides support to assist the student with their own dissertation.