EIU Department of Kinesiology, Sport, and Recreation

Departmental Scholarships

Below you can find information related to scholarships offered through the Kinesiology, Sport, and Recreation Department. KSR and University-wide scholarship information can be found on the EIU Financial Aid Site. 

KSR Scholarships:

KSR scholarships are awarded based on evaluation of the student's application. In order to apply, students must currently be enrolled at EIU. In order to receive scholarship funds, students must be registered for classes the semester monies are disbursed.

Many scholarships list a required major in Physical Education. Exercise Science, Sport & Recreation Management, and K-12 Teacher Certification students are eligible to apply for these scholarships if offered within their specialty area. Scholarship opportunities by major are listed below.

Application Period and Due Date:

Students may apply for both Spring and Fall 2025 scholarships from November 1, 2024-March 15, 2025. 

How to apply:

University-wide scholarships and KSR scholarships are applied for through https://eiu.academicworks.com/. Students are required to submit a new General Application each academic year.

Kinesiology, Sport, and Recreation Department Scholarship Opportunities:

K-12 Teacher Certification Scholarships

• SPRING Awards:
  • Mike & Phoebe Church Scholarship
  • Robert W. & Laura M. Hussey Scholarship
• FALL Awards:
  • Burke Family Scholarship
  • Dolly J. & H. Gene McFarland Scholarship
  • Dr. Bill and Lill Thiel Kinesiology and Sports Studies Scholarship
  • ZuHone Girls Annual Scholarship

Exercise Science, Sport & Recreation Management, and Teacher Certification Scholarships

• SPRING Awards:
  • Larry Ankenbrand Scholarship
  • Shannon McNamara Outstanding Physical Education Major Award
• FALL Awards:
  • Kinesiology, Sport, & Recreation Scholarship
  • Stanley & Francis Campbell Memorial Scholarship
  • William H. Groves Memorial Award
  • Dorothy M. Hart Memorial Scholarship
  • Florence McAfee Scholarship
  • Errett & Mazie Warner Presidential Award

 Recreation Administration & Therapeutic Recreation Option Scholarships

• SPRING Awards:
  • William and Melissa Higelmire Department of Recreation Administration Student of the Year Award
  • Dorothe L. Johnson Memorial Scholarship
  • William G. Riordan Scholarship
  • William A. Smith Scholarship in Recreation Administration
• FALL Awards: 
  • Ewen "Lefty" Bryden Alumni Scholarship 
  • Gretchen Sue Denton Memorial Scholarship
  • Kinesiology, Sport, & Recreation Scholarship

Scholarships play a vital role in making higher education more affordable and accessible to students and their families. That’s why we created our easy-to-use EIU Scholarship Search, which helps you explore all the scholarship and award opportunities available at Eastern. Admitted students can log in and see more personalized scholarship information based on their academic profile. If you have any questions about the EIU Scholarship Search site, please contact Mallorie Fonseca, at 217-581- 6405 or eiu-scholarships@eiu.edu.