Dr. Betty J. Beckley, the first
director of Letters and Sciences. |
The Betty J. Beckley Award for Letters and Sciences Students provides
scholarships to help students realize their dreams. Dr. Beckley served
as Assistant Dean for Undergraduate Studies and as the first Director of
Letters and Sciences, 1986-1997. When she retired in 1997 after 24 years
at Maryland, her staff set up an endowment fund in her name. Beckley has
added to it regularly.
Reflecting her continuing dedication to students, the Beckley Award will benefit sophomores in Letters and Sciences who are involved in research, service learning, civic engagement, study abroad, or leadership. Selection criteria will include academic merit, financial need, and campus involvement.
Before directing Letters and Sciences, Dr. Beckley’s University service included advising students, coordinating internships for the Maryland General Assembly Program, and teaching writing and literature courses for the Department of English Language and Literature. Beckley said she “wants students to experience their undergraduate education as a grand opportunity — not merely career preparation but learning about and making choices that will be right for them throughout their lives.”
Since retirement, Dr. Beckley has focused on environmental conservation. She received a 2002 Earth Day Volunteer Award for Riverbank Restoration. Her conservation interests also include sustainable farming and green energy. Leader of the Potomac Riverbank Conservation Project and member of the Potomac Headwaters Resource Conservation & Development Council, Dr. Beckley lives near Shepherdstown, WV, a five-minute walk from the river. She named her home Terphill, a mark of her enthusiasm for the University.
Enrollment Code: Letters and Sciences
Class Standing: Must be at Sophomore Status (30 credits) by fall.
Amount of Award: Variable (not renewable)
Number of Awards: Variable
Eligibility: Must be a full-time student with a GPA of 3.25 or above with involvement in one
or more of these areas: research, service learning, civic engagement, study
abroad or leadership in student organizations. Must have a FAFSA
form on file with Financial
Aid. Must be enrolled for a minimum
of 12 credit hours per semester.
Application: Application period: Annually, Dec. 1st to May 31st. Go to the application.
