At a Glance
About
Background
In honor of Dr. Maria Teresa Velez, former Associate Dean, University of Arizona (U of A) Graduate College, and her lifelong commitment to promoting graduate student success and excellence for students who have overcome barriers in their educational journey, the Graduate College established the Dr. Maria Teresa Velez Leadership Scholarship. This award is given annually to a doctoral student who, through their teaching, research, or outreach and service, a commitment to furthering graduate student success through their leadership in primary or secondary education, higher education, and/or the community at large.
Award amount
The award consists of $25,000 plus full base (main campus) graduate tuition and individual student health insurance (excluding fees and any differential tuition) for one year only. The selected Fellow may not hold concurrent graduate assistant/associateships or student wage positions or defer the award for the following year.
Application Opens: December 15, 2025
Application Deadline: April 15, 2026
Eligibility
Domestic U of A doctoral student (U.S. citizen or permanent resident)
Admitted to a main campus doctoral program at the University of Arizona (UA Online, JD, MD, DVM, and Pharm-D students are not eligible to apply)
Have passed their written and oral PhD comprehensive examinations
Good academic standing with a current cumulative graduate GPA of 3.0 or higher
Instructions
Applicants will apply through Scholarship Universe. The application consists of the following:
- Personal statement from the nominee describing goals, efforts and accomplishments in overcoming barriers and/or helping others advance in education, higher education, and/or the community at large.
- Current Curriculum Vitae
- A letter of recommendation from a faculty member at the U of A. The letter should address the personal and leadership experience of the applicant.
The applications will be reviewed by a committee of University of Arizona faculty and staff.
Contact
For questions, please contact Kerry Cowen, Scholarships and Grants Management Administrator, (520)621-9336 or kcowen1@arizona.edu