Harold McPheeters Scholarship

This service-focused scholarship honors Dr. Harold McPheeters and his contributions to the human services profession.  Dr. McPheeters is considered by many to be the founder of human services education in the United States.  The applicant is expected to demonstrate successful work in human services where he or she has been acknowledged by others to be respectful of and dedicated to clients as well as possessing interpersonal skills that are evident with colleagues in the workplace. Volunteer, part-time or full-time work will be considered.  

This scholarship is awarded each year to one currently enrolled student in an associate, baccalaureate OR master's degree Human Services program. The words, “human service” or” human services” must be in the program title as the term is not used to include programs in other related disciplines. One scholarship is awarded to one student each year as long as the criteria are met.   

Criteria for the award includes the following: Enrollment in a Human Services program at the associate, baccalaureate or master's level. A student member of NOHS (Please note that membership in a regional organization does not double as membership in NOHS.) Demonstrated competence in human services course work. Demonstrated successful work in human services, as a volunteer, part-time or full-time worker. Demonstrated respect for clients, dedication to clients, interpersonal skills and relationships with organization staff. Connection of human services knowledge and skills to a personality and professional values set that reflects outstanding direct service.

Your application will be evaluated on the following criteria using a five-point scale where 5 = Outstanding and 1 = Doesn’t Meet

  • Current Student Member of NOHS
  • A complete application packet with no late materials.
  • Enrolled in Human Services program at the associate's, bachelor’s or master’s level
  • Transcript with an overall GPA of 2.8 on a 4.0 scale and 3.0 or better in completed Human Services courses. The transcript must be an official transcript sent directly from the Registrar’s Office at the student’s university.
  • Resume that includes student’s complete mailing address, telephone and email.
  • Resume should reveal work done and accomplishments in human services settings. Both paid and volunteer work are acceptable.
  • Essay of a minimum of one and a half pages, double–spaced, in 10 or 12 point font, written by the student describing the student’s work in the field that meets the above criteria.
  • A minimum of one letter from a non-faculty member human services professional who has direct knowledge of the student’s paid or unpaid work and a second letter from a faculty member who can support the candidate’s work as applied to practice. The letters should document competence in human services course work and reveal the connection of human services knowledge and skills to outstanding direct service. The letters should also reveal respect for and dedication to clients as well as good relationships with co-workers.
  • Optional supporting documentation can include service awards and recognition, field supervisor evaluations, media articles or interviews, etc.

To view the evaluation form for this award, click here.

Application materials must be submitted by July 31 to be considered. All application materials should be submitted electronically to Dr. Radha Horton-Parker at [email protected] with the exception of the transcripts which should be mailed to:

    Dr. Radha Horton-Parker 
    Counseling and Human Services Dept.
    Darden College of Education and Professional Studies
    Old Dominion University 
    Norfolk, VA 23529