Otis L. Floyd Scholarship

Resources

Nomination Form

Intent of Scholarship

In December 1995, the Committee on Academic Polices and Programs approved the establishment of the Otis L. Floyd Scholarship. The Otis L. Floyd Scholarship was established in memory of Chancellor Otis L. Floyd from proceeds derived from the sale of the former Chancellor’s residence. The scholarship is awarded annually to a Tennessee student who, during their first year of College, has distinguished himself/herself by a record of dedicated community/campus service and strong academic achievement and who is committed to pursuing a career in public service as demonstrated through a one-page essay on career aspirations. The Scholarship will provide a renewable award for full-time students (enrolled in a minimum of 15 credit hours) of $500 to use for living expenses and books. Part-time students (enrolled in a minimum of 6 credit hours) will receive a 50% award amount.

Scholarship Criteria

  • At time of receipt of scholarship, the student is in their second year at a community college (defined as a student who is enrolled for a second academic year)
  • Current Tennessee resident and/or Permanent U.S. Citizen
  • Completed FAFSA on file with the home institution
  • Minimum  GPA of 3.0 (as verified by a copy of the  transcript)
  • Enrollment in a minimum of 6 credit hours for a prorated amount of the scholarship or 15 credit hours for the full scholarship amount.
  • Evidence of involvement in leadership and community service activities (applicants will submit a portfolio of no more than 7 pages with at least one letter of support from a faculty or professional staff member at the home institution)
  • One-page essay that addresses personal and career aspirations

Selection Process

  1. Each two-year institution may nominate one eligible student to be considered for the award.
  2. Recipients are selected by a distinguished panel appointed by the Chancellor.
  3. Deadline for consideration is March 1, and the award will be announced by May 1.

Renewal Requirements

This scholarship is renewable for up to a maximum of three (3) years. In order to renew the scholarship, the student must:

  • Maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0
  • Carry a minimum course load of 15 credit hours per semester for the full scholarship amount, and
  • Provide satisfactory evidence of involvement in institutional and/or community service activities. (Student will provide documentation when applying for renewal.)

Requirements for renewal

This scholarship is renewable for up to a maximum of four (4) years. Recipients at two-year institutions may continue to receive the scholarship for a third and fourth year upon transfer to a Tennesee public university. In order to renew the scholarship, the student must:

  • Maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0
  • Carry a minimum course load of 12 credit hours per semester, and
  • Provide satisfactory evidence of involvement in institutional and/or community service activities. (Student will provide documentation when applying for renewal.)

It is the responsibility of the home institution to verify eligibility based on criteria identified above.

Administration of the Scholarship

The TBR System Office will send notification to the recipients and copy the Financial Aid Director at the home institution. Notification from the System Office will only occur during the first year of the award.

In subsequent years, the Financial Aid office at the home institution should notify the student of the continuance of this scholarship. If the student transfers from a community college to a four-year institution, the original institution will notify the transfer institution of the student’s participation in the scholarship program. The Financial Aid Office will verify the recipient meets the cumulative grade point average and course load requirement. A copy of the student’s involvement in institutional/community activities will be forwarded to the TBR Office of Student Success for review with a recommendation on either the continuance or discontinuance of the award for following year.

Payment will be made to the Institution by August 1 for the upcoming fall term. The institution will then cut a check to the student for the appropriate award amount. This will be done on a per semester basis contingent upon registration in a minimum of 15 credit hours (for full scholarship awards) with a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or higher.