Tuesday is the final day to submit applications for the Ronald E. Gholson Service Award within the college of education. The scholarship is for about $1,000 depending on the number of winners selected.

While a selection committee makes the decision on how to distribute the money, Doug Bower, the associate dean of the College of Education and Professional Studies, will review the applications.

“It is one of the more prestigious scholarships and service awards,” Bower said. “When Dr. Gholson retired, he established it based upon his belief of the importance of service.”

The scholarship is awarded semiannually to students, and on other years the scholarship is awarded to faculty.

“That is what he desired,” Bower said. “To recognize groups, students and faculty and the work they do.”

Gholson, an emeritus professor of the department of education, said he created the fund in order to recognize the service both students and faculty do for the department, university, and the educational field. 

Gholson said he wanted the award to alternate between the two groups because that was easiest way to recognize both groups.

“Who gets the award is entirely up to the committee,” Gholson said. “It is exciting that I’m still here, and often get to meet the outstanding young people.”

He has been retired for 12 years but said one of the reasons he created the award was because of his memories working with the various bodies of university governance including the Council on Academic Affairs and the Faculty Senate.

 “I felt many times in the university world there is not as much value placed on service as I thought there should be,” he said. “I wanted to give recognition to those who have spent time giving back to both the university and the field as a whole.”

Gholson said he was also inspired by his parents. His father was involved in town government and his mother in the family’s church.

“It gives meaning and purpose to our lives,” he said. “I always enjoyed working with the individuals I worked with and promoting whatever I was promoting.”

By “service,” Gholson and Bower agree that it consists of service of all types, such as to the education department, college, university, community and greater fields.

“We are looking for someone who not only serves the current community, but we think will continue to serve once they are in the professional world.” Bower said.  “Someone who once in the field will work to improve things for the students they teach and the schools they teach in.”

The deadline to turn in applications is 4 p.m. on Tuesday in the dean’s office of the College of Education and Professional Studies located in Buzzard Hall. 

Amy Wywialowski can be reached at 581-2812 or [email protected]