Current Students

The application form for the 2025/2026 History Scholarship cycle is now closed.
Please check back Spring 2026 to apply during the new application cycle.

Prerequisites: Applicants must be History majors and have completed at least 12 credit hours of History (or be in progress of completing the 12 History hours this current semester) at Baylor University.

 Questions? View our FAQ page here or contact our office at 254-710-2667.

Below includes a list of scholarships the Department of History offers to current history majors. 

The Rufus B. Spain Endowed Memorial Scholarship in History

This scholarship was established in 2023 in honor of Dr. Rufus B. Spain and the impact he had as a Baylor professor. Dr. Rufus B. Spain, emeritus professor of history, was born in Alabama and retired in 1998. A graduate of Mississippi College and Vanderbilt University, he joined the Baylor faculty in 1957 and taught on a full-time basis for 31 years, specializing in late 19th and 20th-century history. During Dr. Spain’s time at Baylor, he was an advocate for opportunities for all students, especially those who had been historically marginalized at the university. In selecting an award recipient, preference is given to underrepresented students who are pursuing a major in history and come from diverse communities and backgrounds historically underrepresented at Baylor University, including low-income and first generation.

Debra and John M. Greer Family Scholarship

Debra (BA '98 & MA '02) and John Greer of Houston, Texas, established this scholarship in 2022. The scholarship was created because of Mrs. Greer's love for Baylor University and for the many opportunities that Baylor education has given her as first-generation college graduate.

George Michael Stuart Scholarship in History

This scholarship was established in 1988 in memory of Mr. George Michael Stuart, a 1957 Baylor graduate, by his mother Mrs. Ferne B. Stuart and friends.

Kevin Hal Reynolds Scholarship

This scholarship was established in 1998 to assist students majoring in history.

Lavonia Jenkins-Barnes Endowed Scholarship

This scholarship was established on May 10, 1995 in honor and recognition of Mrs. Barnes' lifetime of exceptional accomplishments and outstanding service to Baylor University and the City of Waco. In selecting an award recipient, preference is given to students with a demonstrated interest in Women’s History and/or Gender Studies. 

John M. Roberts Scholarship

This scholarship was established in 1999 in memory of John Michael Roberts, who was tragically killed in 1994. John was a student at Baylor University and the 99th member of Sigma Nu fraternity. His Bachelor of Arts in History degree was awarded posthumously to his parents in December 1994. A tree was dedicated in his memory on March 24, 1999 in the Burleson Quadrangle, along with the creation of this endowed scholarship fund.

Dr. James W. Vardaman Endowed Scholarship Fund

This scholarship was established in 2003 to honor Dr. James W. Vardaman, Professor Emeritus of History and Master Teacher at Baylor University. Dr. Vardaman received a B.A. degree from Baylor in 1951, an M.A. degree from the University of Minnesota at Crookston in 1952, and a Ph.D. from Vanderbilt University in 1957. He taught at Baylor for 33 years and passed away in 2018. In selecting an award recipient, preference is given to History majors participating in a Baylor study abroad program. 

Gene and Mary Richardson Endowed Scholarship Fund in Honor of Dr. James and Elizabeth Vardaman

 Gene A. and Mary C. Richardson established this scholarship in 2012. Dr. James Vardaman earned a B.A. degree from Baylor University in 1951, an M.A. degree from the University of Minnesota in 1952, and a Ph.D. from Vanderbilt University in 1957. He taught at Baylor for 33 years and was presented with the Herbert H. Reynolds Retired Faculty Award in 2007 and the W. R. White Meritorious Service Award in 2004. He passed away in 2018. Elizabeth Vardaman earned B.S. and M.A. degrees from Baylor in 1965 and 1980, respectively and has served in various capacities within the university. Dr. Gene Richardson earned B.S. and M.D. degrees from Baylor in 1954 and 1957, respectively, and is a member of Baylor’s Heritage Club. Mary Richardson attended the University of Texas and became an Alumnus-by-Choice of Baylor in 1986. In selecting an award recipient, preference is given to History majors participating in a Baylor study abroad program. 

Guittard-Verlander-Voegtle Endowed Scholarship Fund in History

Charles F. Guittard and Patricia Verlander Guittard, Henry J. and Mary Guittard Voegtle, and John R. and Jo H. Guittard  established this scholarship in 2016 in memory of their grandfather, Dr. Francis G. Guittard, the first chair of the history department at Baylor, their step-grandmother Josephine Glenn Guittard ("Mama Josie"), and their parents, Chief Justice Clarence A. Guittard and Mary Louise Kee Guittard, both of whom graduated from Baylor. In selecting an award recipient, preference is given to those with a desire to teach history or take an advanced degree in history.

Jenice and Crawford Long Endowed Scholarship Fund in History

Carol Jenice and E. Crawford Long of Waco, Texas established this scholarship. Crawford Long received his B.A. degree in 1970 and his J.D. degree in 1973 from Baylor University. Crawford retired in 2010 as Assistant District Attorney with the McLennan County District Attorney's Office. Jenice Long received her B.A. degree magna cum laude from Baylor University in 1995. Crawford and Jenice are members of the Bear Foundation and the Endowed Scholarship Society. In selecting an award recipient, preference is given to students with a desire to teach history after graduation.

Roe and Jessie Betterton Endowed Scholarship Fund in History

This scholarship was established, in their memory, in 2020, by their children, Ken L. Betterton and Karen Ro Betterton Heuberger. This endowed scholarship fund provides assistance to deserving students attending Baylor University, Waco, Texas, who are enrolled in the College of Arts & Sciences. In selecting an award recipient, preference is given to students who are pursuing a degree in history and have completed twelve or more hours of U.S. History courses.