MSU Seeks Tillman Scholarship Applications

Mississippi State University is again proud to support the Pat Tillman Foundation by seeking applicants for the Tillman Military Scholarships.

Tillman Military Scholarships are national university scholarships awarded in memory of NFL player and late Army Ranger Pat Tillman. Mississippi State was one of only four schools in the nation who worked with the Pat Tillman Foundation to initially identify scholars. The inaugural scholarships began at MSU in 2009, and have continued each subsequent year.

The application process opens Feb. 7 and extends through March 6 for the 2014-2015 financial awards. Applications are available online at www.pattillmanfoundation.org/tillman-military-scholars/apply.

“The recipients who are linked to these awards will carry the imprint of Pat Tillman with them as they pursue their academic goals, and we are extremely proud to continue to support the Pat Tillman Foundation,” said Ken McRae, director of the Center for America’s Veterans. “It is our hope that applicants selected will successfully complete their education at Mississippi State.”

The Arizona-based Pat Tillman Foundation was created by family and friends following his death. Tillman was a starting safety with the Arizona Cardinals from 1998-2001. In mid-2002, he placed his professional football career on hold to become a U.S. Army Ranger. Two years later, the San Jose, Calif., native was killed on active duty in Eastern Afghanistan.

Tillman Military Scholarships support the education of veterans, service members and spouses. Amounts for the MSU scholarships typically vary between $2,000 and $10,000 per academic year. Applicants must reapply annually to be eligible for undergraduate and graduate assistance.

Tillman Military Scholar candidates may be affiliated with any U.S. Armed Forces branch. Those selected must be enrolled fulltime, maintain a 3.0 grade-point average (on a 4.0 scale) and demonstrate financial need, among other criteria. Scholars also are required to perform a public service of choice and report that service to the Tillman community.

For more information on the MSU Tillman Military Scholarships, contact G.V. “Sonny” Montgomery Center for America’s Veterans Director Ken McRae at 662-325-6719 or kmcrae@saffairs.msstate.edu. MSU currently enrolls more than 2,000 student veterans, service members, dependents and survivors and is known as one of the premier veteran-friendly campuses across the nation.