Department Scholarships

Scholarships are described below, including eligibility information. To apply, use the Bobcat Online Scholarship System. Additional awards may be available and posted on bulletin boards throughout the Supple Science Building, Freeman Building, and Ingram Hall. Award amounts may vary from year to year and for different awards. Typically awards are a few hundred dollars to a few thousand dollars unless otherwise stated in the descriptions below. For information on application deadlines, log into BOSS. 

 

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  • This endowment was established by Dr. Audrey L. Evers to award scholarships to students, with preference given to students pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Biology with Life Science Teacher Certification (Grades 7 - 12). Students not pursuing the certification are also eligible to apply, but such applications will not be given preference. This award requires a GPA of 3.0 or higher. Use BOSS to apply.

  • This scholarship was established to honor the memory of A. B. and Irene S. Rogers and provide financial assistance to students pursuing a degree in the Aquatic Biology program. Awards will be made to full-time upper-level undergraduate students (juniors and seniors) having completed at least 60 hours of coursework. Students must be pursuing a degree within the Aquatic Biology program at Texas State University. Students must have a GPA of at least 3.0. Award amount is up to $500. Use BOSS to apply.

  • This endowment was created by Spurgeon Smith and is named after his father, Charles Spurgeon Smith. Mr. Smith was a long-time professor at Southwest Texas State University. Applicants must be freshmen level (0 - 29 credits completed), Biology major or minor, and minimum ACT score of 27 or minimum combined SAT score of 1200. Award amount varies. Use BOSS to apply.

  • This scholarship was established in honor of Chuck Nash, San Marcos businessman and member of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission for many years, to provide financial support for students pursuing aquatic and hydrological studies at Texas State University. Applicant must be a full-time junior, senior, or M.S. graduate student pursuing studies in aquatics or hydrology with a GPA of 3.0 or higher. Award amount is up to $1,000. Use BOSS to apply.

     

  • This award is given to an outstanding biology graduate student; it is a tuition scholarship for the academic year (fall and spring semester). All graduate students in thesis or dissertation requiring programs are eligible. The award will be based on merit, including demonstration of excellence and proven research potential. At least two letters of recommendation are required. Award amount is up to $2,000. Use BOSS to apply.

  • This endowment was established in 2021 by Ernest Joe in honor of his wife and family. Jo Ann Parks and Ernest Joe Harber were married in 1958 and were married for nearly 60 years until her passing. They raised three children together and enjoyed 5 grandchildren together (2 that attend Texas State) and all have become successful individuals. Mr. and Mrs. Harber attended the Sunset Ridge Church of Christ in San Antonio, Texas, taught Sunday school, sang in the choir and hosted church dinners together. Mrs. Harber volunteered countless hours to schools, PT As and churches, was a loving wife, mother and grandmother. She lived with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia for over 37 years, amazing her doctors before succumbing to Acute Leukemia in 2018. Mr. Harber is a Texas State Alumni who graduated from Southwest Texas State Teachers College with a Bachelor of Science in Education degree in 1953 and a Master of Arts degree in 1957. Attending classes taught by such professors as Dr. Henry Norris and Dr. Charles Smith. Mr. Harber spent 3 years in the United States Army serving at the Institute of Surgical Research Burns Center, Brooke Army Medical Center, Ft. Sam Houston, Texas. After receiving his Master of Arts degree, he began teaching at San Antonio College first as a Chemistry teacher for 2 years and then was able to switch to Biology (his major as an undergraduate/graduate) and served as the Chair in Biology for just over 17 years, serving to educate students for over 36 years until his retirement in 1994. He retired as Professor and Chairman Emeritus, Department of Biological Sciences, San Antonio College.

    Distributions from the endowment shall be used to award scholarships to graduate students enrolled at Texas State University within the Department of Biology in the College of Science and Engineering.

    Criteria to select recipients is as follows:

    Minimum 3.5 GPA

    Pursuing a graduate or doctoral degree (any specialization) in Biology

    In the process of completing masters/doctoral research

    Funds may be applied towards tuition and fees or the recipient's research work

    Preference for the recipient to be pursuing a career teaching at the college level in Biology.

  • This award was created in 2006 to honor Dr. Francis Rose, Chair of the Department of Biology for 11 years. The purpose of this award is to provide research opportunities for undergraduates in the biological sciences during the academic year, especially for students whose financial need would make such work difficult on an unpaid basis. The goal of this program is to increase the number of undergraduate students doing research. All qualified undergraduates are encouraged to apply. An amount of $200 to $2,000 will be awarded. The funds are to be used for research activities, and thus you can also receive course credit for your research by registering for BIO 4299. The funds are disbursed through the Biology Department office. Note that this award does not use the BOSS system, see below for further details. 

    • A position conducting research with a faculty member must be arranged  prior to when you apply for this grant.
    • Applicants must have an interest in pursuing a career in some aspect of the biological sciences.
    • Applicants must have a faculty adviser to support their proposed research.
    • Some research experience (whether in university coursework or work outside the university) is required.
    • Awards in previous semesters or summer do not guarantee an award for the current year.
    • Two letter of recommendation are required which includes one from the faculty adviser.
    • Applicants must write a 3-page grant proposal for the research they would like to perform. This proposal should include a brief budget of $200-$2000.
    • To apply for this award, please fill out this form
    Please direct all questions to the scholarship chair, Dr. Lauren Fuess. 
    The last date to apply for the scholarship is on 11/08/2023.

  • This award is given in honor of Fred and Yetta Richan to support the activities of Texas State students engaged in research and management of streams, rivers, ponds, and reservoirs. Applicant must be a Ph.D. student pursuing studies in Aquatic Resources or M.S. or undergraduate student  pursuing studies in Aquatic Biology at Texas State University. Students must be full-time with a minimum 3.0 GPA. Award amount is up to $1,000. Use BOSS to apply.

  • This scholarship was established to honor the memory of Professor George H. Meyer and to support graduate and undergraduate studies in microbiology. Three awards will be distributed: the graduate award, the senior award, and the junior award. Award amount varies up to $2,000. Use BOSS to apply.

    Requirements:

    Graduate award – will be awarded to the full-time graduate applicant with the highest GPA. Must have a well-established thesis project in microbiology and have completed a minimum of 12 graduate credit hours.

    Senior award – will be awarded to the full-time senior microbiology undergraduate applicant with the highest GPA. Must have completed BIO 2400 and two advanced microbiology courses.

    Junior award – will be awarded to the full-time senior microbiology undergraduate applicant with the highest GPA. Must have completed BIO 2400 or be enrolled in BIO 2400.

  • Awarded to outstanding graduate (M.S., Ph.D.) students in recognition of significant contributions to the study of aquatic resources. This is a competitive award and recognizes outstanding students based on ability, achievements, and financial need. Students must be pursuing studies in Aquatic Resources or Aquatic Biology. Students must be enrolled full-time and have a minimum 3.5 GPA or higher. Award amount is up to $2000. Note that this scholarship does NOT use BOSS for applying. Questions and applications may be directed to Dr. Benjamin Schwartz. 

  • This is a tuition-credit scholarship awarded by the Department of Biology to a junior, senior, or graduate student in recognition of significant academic achievement. This scholarship was established by Christopher B. Schulze, M.D. in honor of his father. Applicants must be juniors, seniors, or graduate students majoring in Biology, enrolled full-time at Texas State University, and with an overall GPA of 3.0 or higher. Note: previous recipients may reapply for the scholarship; renewal will be based on evaluation of continued academic achievement. Particular emphasis is given to research accomplishment and research potential. Use BOSS to apply.

  • The endowment was established by Lamar and Marilynn Johanson in memory of William K. Davis. The award supports graduate student research through stipends or fellowships. Applicants must be enrolled full time in M.S. or Ph.D. program within the Department of Biology. Preference is given to students pursuing a career in teaching at the college level. Award amount varies. Use BOSS to apply.

  • This scholarship was established by Mr. Scott W. Jecker to honor Martin R. Heaney III. Applicants must be in the Wildlife Biology B.S. or Wildlife Ecology M.S. programs and have a GPA > 3.0.  Marty was no run-of-the-mill biologist. He had an unusual knack for biological fieldwork and a deep understanding of the ecological principles that were associated with it. Very few people had the talents, skills, and understanding that he did. He could trap, catch, find, track down, or otherwise identify any critter or plant he came across. He was wise in all things upland and wetland, coastal and inland. He always took time to absorb and listen to what was going on around him, which ultimately made him a better biologist and person. Marty could weld, sew, glue, create, and otherwise fabricate just about any tool or piece of equipment he needed. And even when he had things built and/or completed, he was always looking to improve on them. He took that attitude with life as well. He had an unbelievable skill set, but he was always trying to figure out how to improve. He could also ride, drive, or fly just about anything he got his hands on. This included, but was not limited to, all kinds of boats and small ships, airplanes, helicopters, motorcycles, and race cars. Marty was always looking for the next skill and task to conquer once he had the last one figured out. All of this said, Marty was about as humble of a person as you would ever meet. He always had the answers or the fixes or the approach, but he was never boastful about it. Marty loved to laugh, and he could keep himself in chuckle-mode for a while if he thought something was really funny. One of the many uncanny abilities Marty possessed was knowing where to find the fish when it was time to go fishing. He was lucky and wise that way. Most important, Marty was a family guy. A great husband, father, and brother. Always teaching what he knew and always loving. Going above and beyond, even when he never seemed to have the time. Those that worked around Marty knew that no matter how many hours Marty worked and how little sleep he may be getting, he was still going home to enjoy family time. Those of us lucky to be his friend, co-worker, and family members want his legacy to live on through the university and biology department that he learned from, and contributed to, during his education (and after). Award amount is up to $1,000. Use BOSS to apply.

  • Dr. Randy Simpson, a distinguished biologist and educator, left a lasting mark on Texas State University during his tenure from 1989 to 2017. His commitment to teaching, research, and wildlife conservation has inspired generations of students and colleagues alike. Dr. Simpson’s journey began with a profound love for the natural world. As a young naturalist, he delved into the intricacies of wildlife biology, immersing himself in fieldwork and scientific exploration. His passion led him to pursue advanced degrees, culminating in a Ph.D. in Wildlife Ecology.

    Joining the Texas State University faculty in 1989, Dr. Simpson brought his expertise to the Department of Biology. His courses were often challenging but profoundly rewarding. Students admired his depth of knowledge, his engaging teaching style, and his genuine concern for their growth. His commitment to excellence resonated with those fortunate enough to be part of his classes. Beyond academia, Dr. Simpson championed wildlife conservation. His research spanned ecosystems from the Hill Country to the Rio Grande Valley. Whether studying endangered species or unraveling the mysteries of animal behavior, he approached each project with rigor and enthusiasm.

    In recognition of his contributions, Dr. Simpson was named Educator of the Year in 2004 by the Texas Chapter of the Wildlife Society and received the Texas State University Excellence in Teaching award in 2006. His legacy continues through the countless students he mentored, the research he conducted, and the passion he instilled in others.

    To honor his legacy, his students, colleagues, and friends have established an endowed scholarship in Dr. Simpson's name. This scholarship celebrates his unwavering commitment to education, wildlife, and scientific inquiry. Through this scholarship, future generations of students will carry forward his passion and dedication.

    Eligibility Criteria:

    M.S. graduate students in Wildlife Ecology conducting field-based thesis research.

    Additional BOSS Application Materials: Two-page summary of thesis research

  • This award is in honor of the late Dr. Russell W. Strandtmann and his wife, Ruth Strandtmann. They established a field biology development fund in their names for the purpose of supporting undergraduate research projects in the areas of whole organism taxonomy, systematics, life history studies, and ecology. Awards are made to full-time (12 or more hours) undergraduate students who have earned at least 90 semester hours toward a biology degree while enrolled at Texas State University and who have demonstrated a commitment to pursuing advanced studies in the biological sciences. Award amount is up to $600. Use BOSS to apply.

  • This scholarship honors Sally Ann Karnau. Ms. Sally Ann Karnau earned her Bachelor's degree in Education and a Master's degree in Biology from Texas State in the early 1980s. She was an instructor in the Biology Department at Texas State. Ms. Karnau loved fieldwork and took her classes on many field trips. She wanted her students to become more aware of their surroundings. Ms. Karnau was pursuing her doctoral degree at the time of her death. Applicants must be a biology major, have a 3.0 GPA or higher, be a junior or senior student, and be financing at least 25% of his/her education. Note that this application also requires: most recent Texas State University transcript, evidence of financial self-support (pay-stubs, loan statements, etc.), and a two-page double-spaced essay concerning your future use of your biology degree. Award amount is up to $1,000. Use BOSS to apply.

  • Dr. William E. "Henry" Norris was a long serving professor, Chair of the Biology Department, and Distinguished Professor of Biology Emeritus at Southwest Texas State University. He held many positions during his tenure, including Dean of the University. Dr. Norris was a champion of student research. This award was created to honor Dr. Norris and to support graduate research activities in the biological sciences. Applicants must have a thesis/dissertation proposal on file with the Graduate College and must submit a copy of current Texas State transcript (unofficial is acceptable). Award amount is up to $800. Use BOSS to apply.

  • W.K. Davis began teaching in the Department of Biology in 1948 and retired in 1979. During that time, Professor Davis had a profound positive influence on generations of biology students. His expertise as a field naturalist and his knowledge of nature lore, as well as his willingness to enthusiastically share his knowledge with others during the many field expeditions that he planned and led, endeared him to many. In recognition of his priceless contributions to their education, students of Professor Davis have endowed a Field Biology Award to be given in his honor. Funds provided from this endowment may be used to support field-oriented undergraduate student research in any area of natural history. Applicants must be full-time undergraduate students who have earned at least 90 semester hours toward a Biology degree while enrolled at Texas State University and actively involved in one or more projects directly related to the study of natural history. Award is intended to help defray the costs of field-related research and/or the costs of attending a scientific meeting where the student is the presenting author of a poster or oral presentation. Award amount varies. Use BOSS to apply.