Undergraduate Awards & Scholarships

The Department of Fisheries and Wildlife's undergraduate awards and scholarships are highly competitive and typically go to students who are academically strong, active in the department, and engaged within the profession.

Current Student Scholarships

These scholarships are highly competitive and go to students who have been on the MSU campus for at least one semester. 

NOTE: To be considered for a scholarship, students must apply annually. A call for scholarship applications will be e-mailed to students in the Fall semester, and applications will be made available at the Academic Advising Center (Room 40).

Recipients will be announced during the Spring semester and are expected to attend the CANR Honors Banquet.

Andy Ammann Chapter of the Ruffed Grouse Society Scholarship ($750)

  • This scholarship goes to a student who has demonstrated high scholarship, special interest in upland ecology, and professional development and potential in forest game bird management.

Rebecca Humphries Undergraduate Scholarship ($1,000)

  • The purpose of this scholarship is to recognize and facilitate individuals from underserved communities to become future leaders in conservation. This award is named in honor of Rebecca Humphries, who became the first female director of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Environment (MDNRE) in 2004. Dr. Humphries graduated from Michigan State University, with an undergraduate degree in fisheries and wildlife and has received the Distinguished Service to CANR Award (2001), the CANR Outstanding Alumnus Award (2007), and Michigan State University's Distinguished Alumnus Award (2007). She has been a strong and tireless proponent for providing opportunities for underrepresented students including policy internships and the Natural Resources Scholars Program and is an outstanding leader and role model for all biologists; most notably women pursuing natural resources related careers.

Michigan Charter Boat Assoc. Denny Grinold Scholarship (2 @ $1,500)

  • This award is intended to encourage students who have demonstrated the capacity to achieve educational and professional goals, the motivation to achieve these goals, and the initiative to seek opportunities to further their progress. This scholarship is awarded to students interested in fishing issues, especially dealing with Great Lakes and sports fishing.

International Wildlife Undergraduate Scholarship ($1,000)

  • The purpose of this award is to recognize a student who has demonstrated a commitment and passion to global issues in wildlife conservation. Michigan State University and the Department of Fisheries and Wildlife are strongly committed to supporting our students as global citizens. This award will recognize a student who has shown a dedication to issues of global importance in wildlife conservation. Students who have participated in a Study Abroad or other international experiences will be given preference for this award.

Jeffery D. Rupert Leadership Excellence Award ($1,000)

  • This scholarship was established to recognize a Fisheries and Wildlife major who has exhibited extraordinary leadership abilities both in and outside the department; been involved in professional societies as a member of the MSU Fisheries and Wildlife Club and/or a member of the American Fisheries Society or The Wildlife Society; and illustrated scholastic excellence and demonstrates a high potential for success in the fisheries and wildlife field.

Peter I. Tack Undergraduate Scholarship ($1,000)

  • This scholarship was established to provide support and encouragement to undergraduate students in the fisheries and wildlife major who have demonstrated the capacity to achieve educational and professional goals, the motivation to achieve these goals, and the initiative to seek opportunities to further their progress.

Niles R. Kevern Undergraduate Scholarship ($1,000)

  • This scholarship is awarded to a student with a Fisheries and Wildlife major who has demonstrated strong academic achievement, dedication to the mission of the Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, and the potential to be successful in their profession.

Merrill "Pete" Petoskey Undergraduate Scholarship ($1,000)

  • This scholarship is awarded to a student with a Fisheries and Wildlife major who has demonstrated financial need, minimum 30 credits earned at MSU, 3.0 minimum grade point average, dedication to the mission of the Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, and evidence of leadership abilities.

Anglers of the Au Sable Undergraduate Scholarship ($1,000)

  • This scholarship was established to provide support and encouragement to undergraduate students in the fisheries and wildlife major who have demonstrated the capacity to achieve educational and professional goals, the motivation to achieve these goals, and the initiative to seek opportunities to further their progress. This award will recognize a full time senior enrolled in the Department of Fisheries and Wildlife. Preference will be given to residents of the State of Michigan with demonstrated interest in freshwater fish biology, which best adheres to the principals of the Anglers of the Au Sable (preserve, protect and enhance the Au Sable River System for future generations of fly fishers).

Current Student Awards

Fisheries and Wildlife Faculty Outstanding Senior ($2,000)

  • This award goes to the senior in Fisheries and Wildlife who has demonstrated high scholastic achievement and has contributed to the goals of the University, the Department, and to the fisheries and wildlife profession.

  • Students considered for this award are nominated and voted on by the Fisheries and Wildlife faculty.

Fisheries and Wildlife Club Most Active Member

  • This award goes to a Fisheries and Wildlife Club member who has demonstrated a strong commitment to the Club and its activities.

  • Students considered for this award are nominated and voted by members of the Fisheries and Wildlife Club.

Fisheries and Wildlife Club Scholastic Achievement

  • This award goes to the Fisheries and Wildlife Club member with the highest cumulative grade point average.

Non-MSU Fisheries and Wildlife Scholarships

(These scholarships are administered by the listed organization)

Additional MSU Scholarship Information