Scholarships
Note: All scholarships offered by the College of Charleston require a student application through this common portal: https://cofc.academicworks.com/
All Department of Biology Scholarship applications are due by Feb. 15th, except for the Harry Freeman Scholarship.
Department of Biology Scholarships:
Harry Freeman Scholarship
These scholarships are funded through gifts made by former students and friends of Dr. Harry Freeman on the occasion of his retirement from the College in 1999. A graduate of CofC, Dr. Freeman joined the Biology Department as a faculty member in 1960 and served as its chair for 18 years.
Scholarship Honors Biology Professor’s Legacy
Remembering a Legend: Harry W. Freeman
Intended for: Incoming freshman students who have indicated a desire to study biology and have demonstrated academic potential. Students are eligible to apply before they have matriculated. Two scholarships are available at any time. The scholarship is renewable for up to four years as long as the recipient maintains the College’s GPA standard for scholarship renewal (3.0) and remains a major in the Biology department. A committee selects each recipient from among scholarship applications of incoming students who indicate an interest in majoring in Biology or Marine Biology. (Deadline: January 25)
Dr. Susan J. Morrison Scholarship in Biology
Dr. Morrison joined the College of Charleston faculty in 1979 and served the College for 38 years as a biology faculty member, as the first director of the minor in Environmental Studies, and as Associate Provost. Most of her research focused on microbiology, sanitation, and environmental issues, with significant collaborative involvement of undergraduate students. This scholarship was established in 2019 by Dr. Morrison, Professor Emeritus in the Biology Department.
Intended for: rising Sophomore, Junior or Senior Biology majors not enrolled in the Honors College. Preference is given to students with an expressed interest in microbiology. The faculty of the Department of Biology chooses the single recipient each year, and the award is renewable. (Deadline: February 15)
Maggie T. Pennington Scholarship
This scholarship was endowed by students, friends, and alumni to celebrate the retirement of Maggie Pennington, after 35 years of service teaching biology and botany from 1962 to 1997. She was the first full-time female faculty member hired by the College and served as the College's first Dean of Women. She played a crucial role in designing and building the campus’ greenhouses. She also served as president of the South Carolina Academy of Science in 1971–72. She was awarded the Founders’ Medal, the highest award given at the College.
Maggie T. Pennington, CofC Distinguished Service Award
Intended for: an outstanding rising junior or non-graduating senior Biology major. An award given to a junior is renewable in the senior year. The faculty of the Department of Biology chooses the single recipient each year. (Deadline: JFebruary 15)
Dr. Stephanie Dellis Memorial Scholarship
Dr. Dellis taught molecular biology at the College and mentored undergraduates in research projects for 14 years. She also taught at the National Youth Science Campus, encouraging high school students to pursue careers in the sciences. Her passion for teaching and mentoring is embodied in this scholarship, which was established in 2014 by family and friends to honor Dr. Dellis and to memorialize her devotion to her students.
Intended for: a student who is pursuing a B.S. in Biology, with preference given to those with a concentration in molecular biology. The faculty of the Department of Biology chooses the single recipient each year. (Deadline: JFebruary 15)
The Navy League Council of Charleston Marine Biology Scholarship
This scholarship was established in 1989 by Jerry J. Nuss '90 and the Nuss Family Scholarship.
Intended for: a rising senior or non-graduating senior Marine Biology major who has demonstrated exceptional academic performance. The faculty of the Department of Biology chooses the single recipient each year. (Deadline: February 15)
Other Biology Scholarships:
Michael N. Cohen Annual Biology Department Scholarship
Michael Cohen, a 1972 biology graduate of the College of Charleston, established a non-endowed fund benefiting selected biology students in the School of Sciences, Mathematics and Engineering.
Intended for: Incoming students who have indicated interest in studying biology. Two scholarships are available. The scholarship is renewable for up to four years as long as the recipient maintains the College’s GPA standard for scholarship renewal (3.0) and remains a major in the Biology department. Preference is given to students identified for financial aid by the Financial Aid office and a preference for a student interested in marine biology. A committee selects each recipient from among general scholarship applications of incoming students who indicate an interest in majoring in Biology or Marine Biology.
Goat Island Boat Club Scholarship
The Goat Island Boat Club sponsors a $3000 merit scholarship to either a high school senior who will be attending a higher learning institution in the fall or a student currently pursuing a degree in wildlife management, forestry, fisheries, marine biology, or other related field. Eligible high school seniors must reside in Clarendon, Calhoun, Orangeburg, Berkeley, or Sumter counties. This scholarship is not administered through the College. Application available online. (Deadline: April 15)
Garden Club of Charleston Scholarship
The Garden Club of Charleston administers three one-year scholarships of $1500, $1500, and $1000 for undergraduate or graduate students working toward a degree related to gardening and/or environmental disciplines. Preference is given to residents of Berkeley, Charleston, and Dorchester counties. Application available online. (Deadline: February 1)
Health Profession Scholarships and Awards:
Dr. René Ravenel Endowed Scholarship
W. Jervey Ravenel Memorial Scholarship
J. Gorman '43 and Gladys Thomas Endowed Memorial Scholarship
Mary Louise Kurtnacker Memorial Award
MCAT Prep Scholarship
These five awards are determined by the Health Professions Advisor at the College of Charleston. Learn more about these awards from the Health Professions Advising website.