Scholarships

Below is a list of scholarships offered through the Department of Communication Arts. The deadline to apply for the following year is March 1, unless otherwise noted. Links to the application forms are available below.

Important information:

Be sure to use the appropriate major terminology “Communication Studies, Multimedia Journalism, Multimedia Film Production, Public Relations, and Theatre”

For all scholarships, except the Winburn Scholarship, you must apply through myScholarships available on your MyGeorgiaSouthern page.

To receive a scholarship you must be enrolled full time for the full year of the award year, if you are graduating in December you are not eligible. Some exceptions are made for internships.

To apply on line:

  • Step 1 | Log into your MyGeorgiaSouthern page and click on the “MyScholarships” selection on your page.
  • Step 2 | Complete the “General Application.”  The “General Application” is used for all students: incoming and current undergraduate, and graduate. Once the questions are answered, click “Finish and Submit” and you will be directed to “Conditional Application” based on your student data.  There are currently four different “Conditional Applications,” one for Admissions, one for Current Students, one for Current Students in the College of Engineering and Technology and one for Current Students in the School of Nursing. You must complete both the General Application and a Conditional Application in order to be considered for any scholarships.
  • Step 3 | Once the “Conditional Application” is completed, click “Finish and Submit” at the bottom right-hand corner of the page. You will automatically be put into any scholarship(s) that you qualify for.
  • Step 4 | All Department of Communication Arts Scholarships are “apply to” scholarships and have specific requirements. You will need to complete the specific requirements to be considered for the scholarships. General and Conditional applications must be submitted by the date posted on the Georgia Southern academic scholarship page, to be considered for a scholarship.  If you are awarded a scholarship, an email notification will be sent to you.
  • Step 5 | Once the application for the specific recommended scholarship opportunities are complete, click “Finish and Submit” at the bottom right-hand corner of the page.
Scholarship NameDescription
Clarence W. McCord ScholarshipAll Communication Arts majors are encouraged to apply for the Clarence W. McCord Scholarship. Dr. McCord, a former chair of the Department, envisioned the modern communication degree as critical to emerging fields of study, which led to the establishment of the broadcasting and public relations degrees at Georgia Southern University. The recipient of this scholarship is recognized among his or her peers for being a leader, as well as for high moral character. The amount of this endowed scholarship is determined by the Georgia Southern Foundation at the time it is awarded. Scholarship recipient(s) are recognized as part of the Communication Arts Awards Ceremony. To qualify for the scholarship a student must:Be a full-time rising sophomore, junior, or senior pursuing a communication arts degreeHave at least a 3.0 GPA (overall, adjusted)Be of high moral characterBe recognized as a leader among his/her peersClick title to go to on line application
Susan Bacon MacLachlan
Memorial Scholarship
All interested female Communication Arts majors are encouraged to apply for the Susan Bacon MacLachlan Scholarship. The late Ms. MacLachlan was an alumna of the department. The amount of this endowed scholarship is determined by the Georgia Southern Foundation at the time it is awarded. Scholarship recipient(s) are recognized as part of the Communication Arts Awards Ceremony. To qualify for the scholarship a student must:Be a full-time rising junior or seniorHave at least a 2.8 GPA (overall, adjusted)Be of high moral characterHave demonstrated leadershipUnder the conditions of the scholarship, if no female majors qualify for the award, then the scholarship may be offered to male students who satisfy the criteria.Click title to go to on line application
Jenny Lynn Anderson ScholarshipAll Communication Arts majors are encouraged to apply for the Jenny Lynn Anderson Scholarship. Jenny Lynn Anderson is an alumna of the Department, who is recognized as a leader and for her high moral character. Therefore, the recipient of this award goes to someone who exemplifies these same qualities while also maintaining a high GPA. The amount of this endowed scholarship is determined by the Georgia Southern Foundation at the time it is awarded. This scholarship recipient is recognized as part of the Communication Arts Award Ceremony. To qualify for the scholarship a student must:Be a rising sophomore, junior, or seniorHave at least a 3.0 GPABe of high moral characterBe a leader among his/her peersClick title to go to on line application
Laura Dyar Journalism ScholarshipThe Laura Dyer Journalism Scholarship recognizes student work in journalism based on experience and academic standing. To qualify for the scholarship a student must:Have at least a 3.0 GPABe a journalism major (Multimedia Journalism)Click title to go to on line application
Dorothy Few Lee Theatre ScholarshipThe Dorothy Few Lee Theatre Scholarship is named after the founder of the Theatre & Performance Program at Georgia Southern University. After her retirement, Lee’s colleagues set up the Theatre Scholarship in her honor. For 30 years after her retirement, Lee continued to support the Theatre Program with her presence at its productions. The scholarship is awarded to students who are theatre majors or minors who have  made a significant contribution to the Theatre and Performance program. To qualify for the scholarship a student must:Be active in service to the theatre programHave a high GPADisplay financial needDisplay strong personal characterClick title to go to on line application
The Stephanie Routman Memorial ScholarshipBecause the late Stephanie Routman felt that her work in the theatre was greatly influenced by the work she did in London, The Stephanie Routman Memorial Scholarship is intended to support theatre students who are engaged in a study abroad program in theatre or in a summer theatre program in the states. Theatre majors and minors who are planning on participating in a study abroad program or summer theatre program may apply for the scholarship. To qualify for the scholarship a student must:Be a Theatre major or minorDisplay proof from the International Studies office of an impending study abroad experience or proof of acceptance to a summer theatre program (examples Stella Adler Summer Intensive, Dell Arte Summer program, SITI movement program).Click title to go to on line application
Winburn ScholarshipHave you made a difference by using your professional skills?  Communication Studies, Multimedia Film Production, Multimedia Journalism, Public Relations and Theatre majors are encouraged to apply for the Winburn Scholarship. The scholarship is awarded to a rising sophomore, junior or senior who has made a difference in the department, University and/or community by using his or her professional skills. He or she is considered a role model for other students as evidenced by contributions of talent and time, individually or through student groups, to make a difference. The scholarship recipient is recognized as part of the Communication Arts Awards Ceremony. To qualify for the scholarship a student must:Be a full-time rising sophomore, junior or seniorBe a role model for other students as evidenced by professional service to the Department, University, and/or community. Professional service can be defined as contributing talent and time individually or through student groups.Submit an application of professional talent in paid experiences (e.g. SOAR, videography for sports events, student media work, etc.)Have at least a 3.0 GPA in majorPlease submit completed applications to the Communication Arts Department (Main Office- Sanford Hall – Room 3014)
You cannot apply to this scholarship online
Rountree ScholarshipThis scholarship shall be awarded to a full-time student who is a rising junior or senior in the field of communications. Preference may be given to a public relations major. Candidates for the scholarship must have maintained a 3.0 grade point average. Public relations majors should demonstrate involvement in the Public Relations Student Society of America or other Public Relations related positions in the University or community. Students applying for the scholarship should be in good standing with the University’s Student Code of Conduct.Click title to go to on line application
Cochran-Potter Family ScholarshipKathryn and her husband, Rob, established the Cochran-Potter Family Scholarship in 2023, in large part to honor her father, Dr. J.P. Cochran, a history professor at GSU. The first recipient will be chosen in 2024. The scholarship is for public relations majors with a 3.0 or better, who are able to demonstrate how they connect their major (their classes) to extracurricular or work roles.

Kathryn Cochran Potter is a 1988 graduate of Georgia Southern University, majoring in Public Relations. GSU provided her with a wide range of relevant classes, guidance from knowledgeable professors, and a top-notch internship. After graduation, she immediately landed a job at a PR agency in Atlanta. After moving to Washington, D.C., she spent the bulk of her career as the spokesperson for the national hotel association.

Kathryn is currently a partner at Travel Factor Communications, a full service public relations and marketing agency focused on the lodging industry.
Mical Whitaker ScholarshipEstablished in 2014, this scholarship honors the legacy of Dr. Mical Whitaker and his impact on African-American Theatre. A Metter native, Dr. Whitaker began his journey when he attended Howard University in Washington, D.C., and soon left for New York City to pursue acting. During the heart of the 1960’s, Dr. Whitaker created The East River Players, his own theater company, which blossomed as an important movement in African-American theatre. Soon to come was the Everyman Street Theatre Company, another of Dr. Whitaker’s creations, which still takes place today. Dr. Whitaker has served on the board of the Black Theatre Alliance, was the artistic director for he Richard Allen Center for the Culture and Art, and was the producer and director for the first national black theatre festival. Dr. Whitaker also produced a nationally syndicated radio show that featured namesakes such as Ossie Davis and Ruby Dee. In 1981, Dr. Whitaker began teaching at Georgia Southern and continues to take part in the theatre community. Among his accomplishments, Dr. Whitaker has won the Emma Award for Best Director, the Seattle-area Emmy for Television Production, a CEBA Award for Radio Production, an AUDELCO Award, and he has been inducted into the Georgia Theatre Hall of Fame. This scholarship is available to students interested in studying African-American theatre.
Barbara Greener Masquers AwardThe late Barbara Greener established the Masquers Award in 2007. She stipulated it be awarded to a student involved with the Masquers for scholarship, productions, conferences, and/or student development.The award is audition-based.To qualify for the scholarship a student must:Be a theatre major on the Armstrong campusBe an active member of the MasquersClick title to go to on line application