General Scholarships
BAA - OW Lee Scholarship
This scholarship will be awarded to undergraduate students with at least 12 completed hours at ECU. Preference will be given to African American students. All majors are encouraged to apply; however preference will be given to Education and English majors. Recipients must be full-time ECU students and maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.50.. Applicants are required to submit the ECU Foundation Scholarship Application, including a brief narrative essay emailed to foundation@ecok.edu, that describes the applicant's future goals, commitment to equality & equity, their financial need, and how this scholarship will benefit their level of commitment to African American causes. Recipients will be recommended each year by the Black Alumni Association Scholarship Committee, with final decision made by the ECU Foundation Scholarship Committee. This scholarship was created in 2022 by the Black Alumni Association in honor and memory of OW Lee, a native of Idabel, Oklahoma, and the first African American professor at ECU.
BAA - Dr. Donnie Nero Scholarship
This scholarship will be awarded to undergraduate students with at least 12 completed hours at ECU. Preference will be given to African American students. Recipients must be full-time ECU students and maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.50. Applicants are required to submit the ECU Foundation Scholarship Application, including a brief narrative essay emailed to foundation@ecok.edu, that describes the applicant's future goals, commitment to equality & equity, their financial need, and how this scholarship will benefit their level of commitment to African American causes. Recipients will be recommended each year by the Black Alumni Association Scholarship Committee, with final decision made by the ECU Foundation Scholarship Committee. This scholarship was created in 2019 by the founding members of the Black Alumni Association whom all share a passion for ECU and the quality of education they received while students here.
Barnes Kerns Public Service Scholarship
This scholarship will be awarded to full-time, undergraduate students with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above. Ideal candidates will demonstrate a strong commitment to public service, including, but not limited to health, government, or education at the local, state, tribal, or federal level as to be explained in a succinct, two-paragraph essay describing their motivations for public service. Preference will be given to students of color with financial need who are working/have been working a minimum of 20 hours per week to help finance their education. Jennifer Barnes Kerns (Legal Studies Class of 2002) and Jason Kerns (Nursing Class of 2006) established this scholarship to commemorate the wonderful experiences they had during their times as students at East Central University.
Jack Bates and Pansy Bates Transfer Scholarship
Incoming transfer students from two-year colleges who have completed a FAFSA and meet the need for a Pell Grant will get priority consideration for funds. Student transfers from four-year colleges as well as those who do not meet the need for a Pell Grant can be considered for funding as long as one half or more of the awards are given to those from a two-year college that meet the need for a Pell Grant. Priority shall be given to students receiving limited financial aid, including loans. This scholarship was established in the last will and testament of Pansy Cradduck Bates.
David L. Boren Memorial Scholarship
This scholarship will be awarded to students based on need. This scholarship was established in memory of former Governor, David L. Boren by his friends and family. Oklahoma governor and a U.S. senator, David L. Boren, the son of former Oklahoma U.S. Rep. Lyle H. Boren and Christine McKown Boren, was born in Washington, D.C., April 21, 1941. After attending public schools in Seminole, Oklahoma, and Bethesda, Maryland, he went to Yale University, graduating in 1963. A Rhodes scholar at Oxford University in England, he completed a master’s degree in 1965. In 1968 he received his law degree from the University of Oklahoma. In 1967 Boren was elected to the Oklahoma House of Representatives from Seminole County. He served four terms, 1967–74, before focusing on attaining the governor’s office. In those years he practiced law in Seminole, rose to rank of captain in the Oklahoma Army National Guard, and chaired the social sciences department at Oklahoma Baptist University in Shawnee. Boren was elected in Oklahoma as the nation’s youngest governor from 1975-79 and became the longest serving chairman of the Select Committee of Intelligence in the senate from 1979-94. Boren passed away in February of 2025.
Richard and Cheryl Carvajal Finish Line Scholarship
This scholarship will be awarded to senior level students who are making good academic progress and who have financial need that makes completing their degree a challenge. Drs. Richard and Cheryl Beck Carvajal both 1993 alumni value the education they received at East Central University and want to help students get to the "Finish Line". This scholarship will be awarded at the discretion of the Foundation's Scholarship Committee.
Kenneth Clinton Family Scholarship
Kenneth "Kenny" Clinton served students and the East Central University community as the longtime Director of the ECU Bookstore. His passion for students having the opportunity to pursue their degrees was evident to many. This scholarship was funded by his sons to help first generation students defray the cost of seeking an education. This scholarship will be awarded at the discretion of the ECU Foundation Scholarship Committee.
Mary Demke Girls State Scholarship
This scholarship will be awarded to a student that has attended Oklahoma Girls State. Preference will be given to a student that is a daughter of a veteran. This scholarship will be awarded at the discretion of the ECU Foundation Scholarship Committee.
Frank and Johnny Stephens Drew Scholarship
This scholarship will be awarded to an incoming freshman from one of the smaller school systems in Oklahoma (the size of Roff, Stonewall, or Tupelo for example). This scholarship was established by Slover Cape, an ECU alumnus who was raised by his aunt and uncle Frank and Johnny Drew. This scholarship will be awarded at the discretion of the Foundation's Scholarship Committee.
ECU Alumni Association Legacy Scholarship
This scholarship will be awarded to incoming freshmen with a parent, grandparent, or guardian who are current members of the ECU Alumni Association. Other guidelines may be established at the discretion of the Alumni Association. To join the ECU Alumni Association Click Here
Jack and Gladys Edridge Scholarship
This scholarship will be awarded to a junior or senior in good standing and performing satisfactory work toward a degree, with preference to a student from Garvin County. This scholarship will be awarded at the discretion of the Foundation's Scholarship Committee.
Foundation General Scholarship
Applicants must be full-time students at East Central University, have and maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0, and achieve a minimum ACT score of 22-24 (ACT Requirement for Incoming Freshmen Only). Other factors may be considered at the discretion of the Foundation's Scholarship Committee, and the amount of the scholarship will also be determined by this committee.
Foundation Special Scholarship
Applicants must be full-time students at East Central University, have and maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5, and achieve a minimum ACT score of 25-27 (ACT Requirement for Incoming Freshmen Only). Other factors may be considered at the discretion of the Foundation's Scholarship Committee, and the amount of the scholarship will also be determined by this committee.
Foundation Award of Excellence
Applicants must be full-time students at East Central University, have and maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.75, and achieve a minimum ACT score of 28 (ACT Requirement for Incoming Freshmen Only). Other factors may be considered at the discretion of the Foundation's Scholarship Committee, and the amount of the scholarship will also be determined by this committee.
GLBT Diversity Scholarship
This scholarship will be awarded to a full-time ECU student classified as a sophomore or above with a minimum 3.25 GPA. To apply students must complete the Foundation Scholarship Application in its entirety including an essay describing how they currently foster, or would foster, an understanding and acceptance of GLBT (Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, & Transgender) and other diversity issues on the ECU campus. This scholarship was established by ECU alumnus, Jim Gray, in order to promote diversity at the collegiate level.
Connor Hicks Memorial Scholarship
This scholarship will be awarded to students attending ECU the fall semester immediately following their high school graduation. The recipient must have a minimum high school graduation GPA of 2.5 and at least a cumulative 19 on the ACT. Applicants must submit a two-page, type written, double spaced essay discussing their personal history in music, what music means to them, and what the vision is for their music going forward. The essay should include honors, awards, and other recognitions they have received in regard to their music. It is highly recommended that the student includes a video, not to exceed 90 seconds, of themselves playing/singing. This does not have to be a professional video and can be done from a cell phone or other like device. Connor Hicks was among two Ada-based musicians who died in a tragic traffic accident early Monday, December 18, 2017 in Seminole County. Hicks, a former student at the Academy of Contemporary Music at the University of Central Oklahoma, was a well-respected sideman and songwriter. This scholarship was established by Something In The Water, LLC.
Don Hill Memorial Scholarship
This scholarship will be awarded at the discretion of the Foundation's Scholarship Committee to a full-time student that is gainfully employed for at least 20 hours per week during the semester in which they are awarded. Don Hill was a hard-worker and very respected member of the Ada Community. This scholarship was established by his family to continue his legacy at East Central University.
Ivan and Mary Jo Keatley Scholarship
Both of the Keatley's are ECU alumni who have recognized the value of higher education. This scholarship will be awarded at the discretion of the Foundation's Scholarship Committee.
Kiwanis Club of Ada Leadership Scholarship
This scholarship is for full-time students, attending ECU as a first time, incoming Freshman with preference given to students that graduate from a Pontotoc County high school in Oklahoma. The recipient must have graduated high school with a 3.0 GPA or above and must maintain a 3.0 GPA or above to receive the spring portion of the award. The recipient needs to show leadership abilities through school, civic and/or community involvement. This scholarship can be used to help with books, tuition, room and meals, as well as out of classroom experiences. The recipients will be chosen by the ECU Foundation Scholarship Committee.
Lanoy Heir Scholarship
This scholarship will be awarded to eligible heirs of Leon and Mary Pauline Lanoy. For all criteria and guidelines please contact the ECU Foundation at 580-559-5655.
Marguerite E. Lowry Memorial Scholarship
This scholarship will be awarded at the discretion of the Foundation's Scholarship Committee.
W.E. and Minnnie Curtis Martin Book Scholarship
This scholarship will be awarded to ECU students to assist with book purchases. The families of Pete Duncan and Don Martin established this scholarship to honor their grandparents, W.E. and Minnie Martin, who are ECU alumni. This scholarship will be awarded at the discretion of the Foundation's Scholarship Committee.
Shirley Mixon "Trailblazer" Scholarship
This scholarship will be awarded to a student attending ECU full-time with a minimum 3.0 GPA. Preference will be given to African-American, first-time freshmen students native to Oklahoma. Need will be deciding factor as well. This scholarship was established by friends and family of long-time ECU Professor, Dr. Shirley Mixon, to honor her quiet, yet tireless efforts to make a difference in the lives of others.
John Boyce and Grace McKeel Scholarship
This scholarship will be awarded at the discretion of the Foundation's Scholarship Committee.
Floyd F. and Beatrice Collier Mullins Scholarship
This scholarship may be awarded to first-time beginning freshmen, transfer students or continuing students. If awarded to first-time beginning freshmen, the student must be eligible for admission to the University. If awarded to a transfer or continuing student, the student must be in good academic standing and have a minimum 3.0 overall grade point average in at least 12 semester hours of college credit. Regardless of the student's eligibility status to be admitted to East Central University, the student must possess unique or exceptional financial needs and academic potential. This scholarship will be awarded at the discretion of the Foundation's Scholarship Committee.
Once a Tiger, Always a Tiger Scholarship
This scholarship will be awarded at the discretion of the Foundation's Scholarship Committee.
Brandon Osborn and Nicole Tribble Memorial Scholarship
This scholarship will be awarded to full-time students classified as juniors that graduated from a Pontotoc County High School with preference given to a first-generation college student. Brandon and Nicole were seniors of the Ada High School class of 1993 when they were killed in a tragic automobile accident. Family and friends established this scholarship in their memories. This scholarship will be awarded at the discretion of the Foundation's Scholarship Committee.
Martha Eubank/Wallace Rhynes Scholarship
This scholarship will be awarded to a female student between the ages of 25-45, marital status of widowed or divorced, with at least one dependent. A minimum 3.0 GPA is required, or GED certification is acceptable for an incoming freshman. Mrs. Rhynes is an ECU alumna, a teacher, and an author who established this scholarship in order to assist young women in their pursuit of a higher education. This scholarship will be awarded at the discretion of the Foundation's Scholarship Committee.
Dr. Betty J. Robbins Scholarship
This scholarship will be awarded to incoming freshmen students that attend ECU the semester immediately following their high school graduation. Awards will be based on financial need. This scholarship will be awarded at the discretion of the Foundation's Scholarship Committee. The two degrees Dr. Robbins completed at ECU gave her a solid basis for doctoral work at OU, where she has taught in the College of Arts & Sciences since 1984. Her son, Rob, and daughter-in-law, Monica, Neal established this scholarship and join Dr. Robbins in hoping these funds help future students succeed with their education.
Royalty Owner Scholarship
For purposes of the scholarship distribution, Royalty Owner Scholarship means a scholarship
fund prioritized for Class Members or their heirs/kin with secondary priority for
other royalty owners in Oklahoma. If there are no Class Members or their heirs/kin
who apply, or if no qualifying applicants apply, then the East Central University
Foundation, Inc. may award these scholarships to other worthy applicants according
to the criteria noted below in item 4.
Eligible Applicants:
1. All undergraduates in categories 2, 3, and 4 will be eligible for this scholarship, but priority consideration in each category will be given to beginning freshmen.
2. Priority awards will be made to Class members or their heirs/kin.
3. Secondary priority awards will be made to other royalty owners in Oklahoma.
4. If no qualifying applicants are identified in items 2 and 3 above, the Scholarship
Committee of the school/college will determine other worthy recipients based on the
following: These recipients must be majoring in cartography, environmental science,
geotechniques, physics, chemistry, legal studies, water policy or other energy related
disciplines (including business) that could lead to a career in renewable energy or
the oil and gas industry.
Caleb Scroggins Memorial Scholarship
This scholarship will be awarded to incoming freshmen each fall semester. Recipients must attend ECU the fall semester immediately following their high school graduation. Recipients must graduate from a Pontotoc County High School in Oklahoma with a minimum 3.0 GPA. This scholarship will be based on need and recipients must maintain a 3.0 GPA while a student at ECU to receive it for the spring semester. Caleb was a man of faith who dedicated his career to shaping young minds as a compassionate teacher and coach. He married his best friend and the love of his life, Sarah Paige Monday, in 2018. Both earned Bachelor's Degrees from ECU in 2020. This scholarship is established lovingly by family and friends.
Martha Ellen Skinner Scholarship
This scholarship will be awarded preferably to Pontotoc County students who plan to attend ECU, but can be awarded to students outside of Pontotoc County. Awards will be based on financial need and require all recipients to maintain a minimum 2.5 GPA. This scholarship will be awarded at the discretion of the Foundation's Scholarship Committee.
Cecil and Selma Gladden Smith Scholarship
This scholarship will be awarded preferably to Pontotoc County students who plan to attend ECU, but can be awarded to students outside of Pontotoc County. The student must have a minimum 3.0 GPA and a minimum ACT score of 22. The Smith's son Kenneth established this scholarship in his parents' memory for financial and academically deserving students from Pontotoc County. This scholarship will be awarded at the discretion of the Foundation's Scholarship Committee.
Tom A. Thomas First Generation Scholarship
This scholarship will be awarded to first generation college students. Tom A. Thomas, Jr. was a fighter pilot for the U.S. Air Force during WWII. While serving his country, he became the second pilot to make an unrehearsed catapult launch of his plane from a British Escort Carrier and the first to successfully land his plane in Casablanca. After shooting down his fifth German fighter, Thomas was captured in Sicily when he was hit by ground fire. After escaping the enemy, he went on to complete his tour of duty, earning several medals for his service. After retiring from the USAF in 1949, he went on to serve in the Air Force Reserve until 1988. Following his death in 1998, a gift from his estate created the Tom a Thomas Jr. Fund at the Oklahoma city Community Foundation that creates support for a number of charitable organizations and causes that were important to Mr. Thomas.
Unterkircher Scholarship
This scholarship will be awarded at the discretion of the Foundation's Scholarship Committee.