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Stubblefield Institute announces new scholarships

ISSUED: 19 November 2020
MEDIA CONTACT: Valerie Owens

SHEPHERDSTOWN, WV — The Department of Political Science, Global Studies, and Geography at Shepherd University is accepting applications for two new scholarships available to students majoring in political science. Preference will be given to students entering the newly formed political communications concentration. Each scholarship will provide $1,000 per academic year for up to four years. The first scholarships will be awarded in the 2020-2021 academic year.

“We’re thrilled to be able to offer two new scholarships that support the new political communications concentration in Shepherd’s Political Science Department,” said Dr. Matthew J. Kushin, associate professor of mass communications and Stubblefield Institute senior fellow. “Thank you to the Stubblefields for their generosity. We look forward to awarding these scholarships to deserving students.”

The Bonnie and Bill Stubblefield Scholarship will be awarded to a student who demonstrates academic excellence as evidenced by grade point average, courses taken, scholarly or creative accomplishments, and/or other related academic accomplishments. The Friends of the Stubblefield Institute Scholarship will be awarded to a deserving student who demonstrates commitment to the mission of the Bill and Bonnie Stubblefield Institute for Civil Political Communications.

These scholarships support the new political communications concentration, creating opportunities for students to pursue education and careers in the vibrant field of political communications. The university’s close proximity to the Washington, D.C., metro area makes Shepherd an ideal location to study political communications.

In addition to these scholarships, the Department of Political Science, Global Studies, and Geography is awarding two scholarships of $2,500 each for up to four years that are supported through funding from the GOPAC Education Fund.

Information about scholarships and how to apply is available at the Stubblefield Institute website. The committee that reviews all scholarship applications consists of Kushin; Dr. Stephanie Slocum-Schaffer, associate professor of political science; David Welch, Stubblefield Institute director; Kelly Johnston, Stubblefield Board of Advisors member and former Secretary of the United States Senate; and Darrell Shull, Berkeley County deputy clerk of elections.

About the Bonnie and Bill Stubblefield Institute for Civil Political Communications

The Bonnie and Bill Stubblefield Institute for Civil Political Communications officially opened its doors on July 1, 2019, with offices in the Frank Center on the campus of Shepherd University. Drs. Bonnie and Bill Stubblefield funded the Institute through the Shepherd University Foundation. Its mission is to offer students and the public an advanced platform for the study of political discourse by addressing the role communications plays in our divided national culture and contribute to a more positive dialogue and exchange of political differences. 

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