Bulletin of Information
Purpose
The Jack Pope Fellows Program awards scholarships to outstanding Abilene Christian University students who intend to pursue careers in public service.
The Program was established by the Trustees of Abilene Christian University to honor Judge Jack Pope, the former Chief Justice of the Texas Supreme Court. ACU recognizes Judge Pope's considerable contributions to his state and nation as an individual who maintained the highest standards of integrity in his long distinguished career as a public servant. His life represents the high regard he holds for public service.
General Guidelines
Jack Pope Fellowships are awarded on the basis of merit to Abilene Christian University students who will be college juniors in the following academic year. Students selected as Fellows must exhibit outstanding potential for leadership in government and related public service.
Each fellowship is not to exceed $2,500 per year for a maximum of two years.
Commitment to Public Service
The Jack Pope Fellows Program is interdisciplinary, and applicants are drawn from all majors and fields of study offered at Abilene Christian University.
Public service is broadly defined as participation in government and related public service, including careers at all levels and functions of government.
In this regard Jack Pope Fellows will be required to complete a 24 hour public service minor. Courses are designed to prepare students for a career in public service. Leadership in the public sector is strongly emphasized in numerous seminars and workshops held in connection with the Jack Pope Fellows Program.
Who is Eligible?
To be considered for a Jack Pope Fellowship, a student must:
be a full-time student at Abilene Christian University at the time of selection to the program.
plan to be a junior pursuing a bachelor's degree during the following academic year. A student will meet the definition of "junior" if one has completed more than half the second year of college but not more than half the third year of college by the beginning of the following academic year.
have a grade point average of at least 3.25.
show a genuine commitment toward pursuing a public service career.
Selection Process
There are three stages in the selection process.
STEP ONE:
Each applicant must fill out an application packet which includes:
1- Application form
1- Essay form
3- Recommendation forms
1- Financial Disclosure form
Nominees are screened initially on:
academic performance
potential for leadership in public service
STEP TWO:
The Jack Pope Fellows Steering Committee will invite selected applicants to be interviewed. Only applicants who have submitted a superior application portfolio will be invited to be interviewed. Since all the semifinalists have compiled outstanding records academically, the interviews will concentrate on the applicants' interests in public service and potential for leadership in the public sector.
STEP THREE:
Fellows will be selected by the Jack Pope Fellows advisory board based upon the recommendations of the Jack Pope Fellows Steering Committee.
Stipend
Each Fellow will receive a stipend not to exceed $2,500 annually to be paid in equal installments at the beginning of the Fall and Spring semesters of the junior and senior years.
Director
The director of the Jack Pope Fellows program is Dr. Mel Hailey, Chairman of the Department of Political Science.
Inquiries regarding the program should be addressed to:
