The Sally McDonnell Barksdale Honors College currently awards a number of scholarships to incoming freshmen. Finalists for the scholarships are selected from all students who apply to the SMBHC, with decisions based on exceptional academic ability, leadership, community involvement, and potential. These scholarships are extremely competitive, with fewer than 5% of the entering freshman honors class receiving a scholarship from the Honors College.
McDonnell-Barksdale Honors Scholarships
Established through the initial endowment by Jim and Sally McDonnell Barksdale and through subsequent gifts by the Barksdales, the McDonnell-Barksdale Honors Scholarships are each worth $32,000 ($8,000 a year for four years). Recipients of these scholarships must be residents of Mississippi.
Doris Raymond Scholarships
The Doris Raymond Honors Scholarships were established to honor the first preceptor of the Scholars Program, the first version of an honors program at the University of Mississippi, which was established in 1952. The Raymond scholarships are each worth $32,000 ($8,000 a year for four years). Recipients of these scholarships are selected from all applicants to the SMBHC, regardless of residency.
Harold Parker Jr. Memorial Scholarships
The Harold Parker Memorial Scholarships were established through a gift from the estate of Katharine Parker (class of 1942), in memory of her brother Harold. The Parker scholarships are each worth $32,000 ($8,000 a year for four years). Recipients of these scholarships are selected from all applicants to the SMBHC, regardless of residency, and decisions are based on academic performance, leadership and need.
Lynda M. Shea Honors Scholarships
The Lynda M. Shea Honors Scholarships were established through a gift from John J. and Lynda M. Shea in 1998. These scholarships support honors students who are studying abroad. Recipients of these scholarships are current SMBHC students in good standing who have applied for support to study abroad.