J. Ollie Edmunds Distinguished Scholarship
Do you consider yourself a top scholar with leadership potential?
The J. Ollie Edmunds Distinguished Scholarship program is a prestigious, nationally competitive award that seeks high-achieving student scholars like you, with a proven track record of academic excellence and leadership from around the world.
This scholarship covers your expenses for four years at Stetson University if you demonstrate not only academic brilliance but also exceptional personal leadership. To be an Edmunds Scholar, you must exhibit strong character and integrity, along with the potential to become an outstanding leader. Intellectual excellence alone isn't enough for selection - your leadership qualities are key.
First Year Student
Scholarships
1
2024-25 Average
Scholarship Award
$70,000
As an Edmunds Laureate, you'll be chosen for your commitment to education, intellectual curiosity, global and community engagement, and your ability to lead, coach, and mentor others. Successful candidates are actively involved in co-curricular activities, athletics or fitness, and demonstrate discipline, integrity, character, strong communication skills, creativity, and the potential to be a well-rounded leader and contributor to the Stetson University community.
J. Ollie Edmunds was associated with Stetson University for 60 years, from 1921 when he enrolled as an undergraduate student until the day he retired as chancellor. He served Stetson for more than 50 years in the capacities of trustee, president and chancellor. As a student, he worked his way through Stetson and remained active in campus organizations. He was president of his sophomore and senior classes, president of the campus YMCA, a member of the debate team, Delta Sigma Phi fraternity, Glee Club and the Torch and Scroll honorary society. He often took leading roles in campus plays at Stover Theatre, including Shakespearean productions. He was editor of the yearbook and business manager of the student newspaper. He received a bachelor's degree in 1925, a master's degree in 1927 and a law degree in 1928, all from Stetson University. In 1943, his alma mater presented him with the honorary degree, Doctor of Laws.
Dr. Edmunds was elected to Stetson University's Board of Trustees in 1934, helped organize Stetson's National Alumni Association and served three terms as its president. He was a judge in Duval County in Jacksonville. In 1947, he left his probate law practice to become Stetson University's fourth president. His 19-year tenure as president rejuvenated the university. He hired new faculty, raised academic standards, enlarged the campus from 33 to 80 acres, raised $18.4 million and built 16 new buildings. A national leader in higher education, he served as president of the American Association of Colleges and Universities. Beloved by faculty and students, President Edmunds was highly respected on campus, in the state and across the country.
The J. Ollie Edmunds Distinguished Scholarship Program at Stetson University seeks students who demonstrate a balance of the following qualities:
Superior intellect and academic achievement, as measured by academic record and standardized testing.
- A high school GPA of 3.5 or above
Outstanding leadership potential as measured by leadership roles in high school or the community.
- This may include leadership roles in academic, athletic, religious, scientific, military, social, civic, or service organizations in high school or the community
- Stetson seeks students with proven leadership potential who may be future Stetson student body presidents, as well as members of Omicron Delta Kappa, Mortar Board and Phi Beta Kappa
Discipline and physical wellness gained by participation in athletics or fitness activities.
- Although some applicants have actively participated in varsity sports, this is not required. Applicants who participate in aerobics, dance, or other fitness programs that create physical wellness meet this characteristic
Active participation in campus and community activities and personal achievement in co-curricular activities.
- Stetson seeks creative and imaginative students
Applying for the Scholarship Program
To access the J. Ollie Edmunds Scholarship Program application, you must first apply to Stetson University and then an option to apply for the program will appear within your Hatter Portal.
All documents should be received by the Office of Admissions by December 20.
Current J. Ollie Edmunds Scholars
Adrian Vargas
Major: Molecular and Cellular Biology
Professional Track: Pre-Medical
Campus Involvement
- Sigma Nu Fraternity, Scholarship Chair
- Honors Program
- Focus Leader
Natalie McCoy
Major: English
Minors: Philosophy; Music
Campus Involvement
- The Reporter, staff writer
- Touchstone, staff writer
- Fellowship of Christian Athletes, worship leader
- Honors Program
Community Involvement
- CJNR Productions, LLC, manager
- Performs at community events
Sara Ward
Major: Communication and Media Studies
Minors: Journalism; Human Resource Management
Campus Involvement
- Honors Program
- Hatter Network, Editor in Chief
- Publication Board, Editor in Chief
- FOCUS Assistant Coordinator
- The West Volusia Beacon, Intern
- Lambda Pi Eta, Vice President (Communication Association Honor Society)
- Omicron Delta Kappa
- Alpha Alpha Alpha (First Generation Honor Society)
- Business Ethics Case Competition Team Member
Community Involvement
- Journey Church Production Team
- Starbucks Partner
Awards and Honors
- 2025 recipient of the Josephine Field Davidson Award
- Student Press Law Center Inaugural Student Press Freedom Award
- News For You By You: The West Volusia Beacon Inaugural Journalism Competition; 3rd Place College Division
- Hatter Network Writer of the Year 2023-2024
Temiloluwa Adediji
Major: English and Political Science
Minors: Africana Studies
Professional Track: Pre-Law
Campus Involvement
- Phi Alpha Delta (Pre-Law Fraternity)
- Sigma Tau Delta (English Honors Society)
- Black Law Students Association (Co-President)
- Mock Trial Team, Captain
- Honors Program
- Research Apprentice for Department Chair of Africana Studies
Community Involvement
- Volusia County Boys and Girls Club Mentor
- Legal Internships at Kuehne Davis Law, P.A. In Miami and Landis, Graham, and French in DeLand
Wyatt Hammerle
Major: History
Minor: International Studies
Pre-Professional Program: Pre-Law
Campus Involvement
- Model United Nations
- Research Apprentice, Professor Eric Kurlander, History Department
Community Involvement
- Presented at the Phi Alpha Theta Biennial Convention
- Raises alpacas; runs his own alpaca fiber production operation
Sarah Tunnell
Major: Biology
Minor: Psychology
Professional Track: Pre-Medical
Campus Involvement
- Zeta Tau Alpha Sorority, President
- Club Volleyball, Vice President
- Honors Program
- Omicron Delta Kappa, VP of Leadership Development and External Events
- Rho Lambda National Sorority Leadership Society - Treasurer
- Order of Omega Leadership Honors Society - Treasurer
- Tri-Beta Biology Honor Society
- Stetson University Athletics Department Tutor
- FOCUS Orientation Leader
- EMS Club
Bella Grace Parker
Hometown: Newnan, Georgia
High School: Newnan High School
Major: Molecular and Cellular Biology
Minors: Health Sciences; Community Engagement
Campus Involvement
- Honors Program
- Bonner Program
- Honor System Council
- Alpha Epsilon Delta Pre-Health Honor Society, Co-President
- Student Peer Instructor (SPI), Biology
- NSF S-STEM Scholar Peer Mentor
- Tri Beta Biology Honor Society
- Tri Delta Sorority
Community Involvement
- Lacey Family/Spring Hill Boys and Girls Club
- River2SeaLoop
Sugeeth Sathish
Hometown: Madison, Wisconsin
High School: James Madison Memorial High School
Majors: Economics (Business); Accounting
Minor: Applied Statistics
Campus Involvement
- Honors Program
- Chief Investment Officer of the Roland George Investment Program
- Environmental Fellow
- Finance Tutor