Who may apply:
ACU sophomores and juniors with at least a 3.0 who are committed to careers in the environment OR are Native American or Alaska Native and committed to careers in tribal public policy or health care. International students at ACU are eligible with a proper visa. Students cannot apply directly. They must be nominated by the Udall Foundation faculty representative at their undergraduate institution.
Where to apply: The Udall representative at ACU is Dr. Chris Willerton, professor of English and director of the ACU Honors Program. Direct all questions to him at chris.willerton@acu.edu or 325-674-2728. Deliver application materials to him at room 216, Hardin Administration Building.
What the scholarship is for: As the website says, “The Udall Foundation seeks future leaders across a wide spectrum of environmental fields, including policy, engineering, science, education, urban planning and renewal, business, health, justice, and economics. The Foundation also seeks future Native American and Alaska Native leaders in public and community health care, tribal government, and public policy affecting Native American communities, including land and resource management, economic development, and education.” The foundation will award 80 scholarships of up to $5,000 and 50 honorable mentions of $350. Applicants do not have to commit to graduate work. Awardees must attend the Udall Scholar Orientation on August 1-5 in Tucson, Arizona.
Full information:
www.udall.gov/udall.asp?link=200
Number of nominees: Six per university
How to seek an ACU nomination:
Study the information at the website, especially the eligibility requirements, FAQ, and application form. Then, if you’re willing to commit yourself, submit the following items BY FEBRUARY 10, in a manila envelope with your name on it and "Attention: Dr. Willerton." Be sure your name, phone and email address are on each item. Bring them to Hardin Administration Building 216 or mail them to Dr. Willerton at ACU Box 29142, Abilene TX 79699-9142. Please don’t use email or fax to submit these materials.
· cover letter (just a paragraph or two) requesting an ACU nomination (if you qualify to compete for the Udall as a Native American or Alaska Native, please say so)
· resume
· brief recommendation from an ACU professor
· a long paragraph (100-word maximum) on this topic, which is part of the actual Udall application: “What are your professional aspirations? Indicate in which area(s) of the environment, Native American health care, or tribal public policy you are considering making your career and specify how your academic program and your overall educational plans will assist you in achieving this goal.”
By submitting these materials, you grant the selection committee the right to see your transcript and grades online.
If you are selected as one of ACU’s nominees, the selection committee will help you revise your application materials. The ACU selection committee includes Dr. David Gotcher, Dr. Jim Cooke, and Dr. Willerton.
