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Department of Public Policy Leadership
University of Mississippi

Public Policy Leadership Student Scholarships

To be considered for scholarships to incoming Public Policy Leadership students, complete the UM “Special Programs and Scholarships Application” for admission to the Lott Leadership Institute as well as available scholarships. All applicants accepted into the Lott Leadership Institute (pursuing a BA degree in Public Policy Leadership) and possessing exceptional leadership and academic records, are under scholarship consideration.

The list below provides information on the scholarships available, some for incoming students and some for advanced students in the major.


The Copeland Family

Dean Copeland (in dark blue shirt) is surrounded by family: (from left) his son, Braden; grandson Campbell Dickson; wife, Linda; grandson Mac Dickson; son-in-law, Tim Dickson; grandson Brody Dickson; and daughter, Albie Dickson. Photo courtesy Dean Copeland

Copeland Scholarship for Leadership and Public Policy was established in 2018 to honor this 1961 UM history graduate who attended the University of Oxford in England as a Rhodes Scholar and graduated from Yale University’s School of Law. Copeland served in the U.S. Army in the Judge Advocate General’s School before going into private law practice in Atlanta. In 2012, Copeland began teaching an interdisciplinary course for the public policy leadership program, covering geopolitical subject matter and future trends. Read the story about Mr. Copeland’s gift.

The Copeland Scholarship provides funds to rising public policy leadership juniors with a minimum 3.25 GPA with leadership, communication skills, and a demonstrated interest in public policy. Recipients may retain the scholarship for 2 semesters after the junior year if they maintain at least a 3.25 GPA. Interested students complete an application, with selection by a faculty committee. The scholarship is offered for $2,000 a year, contingent upon available funds.


George W. Rogers, JuniorGeorge W. Rogers, Jr. Scholarship was established in 2017 to honor this UM Law School graduate who had a distinguished public service career in Mississippi and at the federal level. The Rhodes Scholar served in the Mississippi House of Representatives from 1952-1977, including leadership on the Education Committee. At the national level, Rogers served as Director of Information Systems Management within the Intelligence Community Staff from 1978 to 1992. Read more about the life of George W. Rogers, Jr. (1927-2017).

The scholarship provides funds to rising public policy leadership juniors with a 3.5 GPA; first preference is for Mississippi residents. Recipients can retain the scholarship for up to four semesters. Interested students complete an application, with selection by a faculty committee. The scholarship is offered for $1,000 a year, contingent upon available funds.


Martha Dale FrittsMartha Dale Fritts Council Scholarship was established in 2008 by Eddie Fritts – former president and CEO of the National Association of Broadcasters – and the couple’s three children to honor Martha Dale Fritts. She served on many foundations and boards, and helped host UM galas in Washington to honor former U.S. Senator Trent Lott as well as the now late U.S. Senator Thad Cochran and the late U.S. Rep. Jamie Whitten.  Read further about this gift to honor Martha Dale Fritts. <https://news.olemiss.edu/former-nab-head-eddie-fritts-honors-wife-with-womens-council-scholarship/>

The scholarship provides funds for an incoming public policy leadership student who has financial need. The Women’s Council < https://omwc.olemiss.edu/> offers this scholarship along with leadership and mentorship programs. Recipients must a 3.0 GPA to maintain the scholarship. The scholarship is offered for $10,000 a year, for a total of $40,000 over 4 years.


Patricia and Sen. Trent LottPatricia Lott Council Scholarship was established to honor Patricia Thompson Lott, wife of former Senator Trent Lott.  The scholarship provides funds for an incoming public policy leadership student who has financial need. The Women’s Council offers this scholarship along with leadership and mentorship programs. Recipients may maintain the scholarship with a minimum of a 3.0 GPA. The scholarship is offered for $10,000 a year, for a total of $40,000 over 4 years.

Patricia Thompson Lott Scholarship was established to honor the wife of Senator Trent Lott in 2005 with gifts from Lott Institute Executive Director Bill Gottshall and his wife, Donna; Lott’s State Director Guy Hovis and his wife, Sis; and Senate Secretary Gary Sisco and his wife, Mary Sue. Senator Lott continues to support this endowment to further honor Patricia. https://libarts.olemiss.edu/scholarship-honoring-patricia-lott-to-nurture-leaders/

The recipients of the Patricia Thompson Lott Scholarship are students in the Lott Leadership Institute that are pursuing a major in Public Policy Leadership. They are incoming freshmen with demonstrated leadership and academic abilities. In addition to maintaining their leadership and academic standards, they are expected to continue their commitment to campus and community service. No application is required as all students accepted to the Lott Institute are considered. This scholarship is offered for $2000 a year, contingent upon available funds.


Dr. Robert Haws (left), Senator Trent Lott, Chancellor Robert Khayat

Dr. Robert Haws (left), Senator Trent Lott, Chancellor Robert Khayat

Robert J. Haws Scholarship was established in 2011 to honor the first chair of the Department of Public Policy Leadership, who served from 2006 until his retirement in 2011. Haws joined the UM history faculty in 1969 and served as assistant director of the Honors program, interim director of the Lott Leadership Institute, and chair of the Department of History.  Read more about Robert Haws’ many contributions to PPL and the university.

Scholarship recipients are full-time public policy leadership majors that have financial need and a minimum of 3.0 GPA. No application is required. The scholarship is offered for $2000 a year, contingent upon available funds.