Funded through NSF’s Scholarships in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (S-STEM) program, the PQS Scholars Program will provide scholarships and coordinated academic, mentoring, experiential-learning and career support for students pursuing degrees in chemistry, geology, physics, data science, mathematics and statistics.
The six-year project will support three cohorts of 12 students, beginning with first-year students entering Marshall in fall 2027. Scholarships will be renewable for up to four years and, depending on each student’s financial need, may provide support up to the full cost of attendance.
“The financial support is an important part of this program, but our goal goes well beyond providing scholarships,” said Anna Mummert, professor of mathematics and principal investigator for the project. “Through this program, students will become part of a community that supports their success from their first STEM courses through graduation and helps them prepare for what comes next, whether that is a career or graduate school.”
PQS Scholars will receive peer and faculty mentoring, academic support, and opportunities to participate in research, internships, field experiences and professional conferences. The program will also provide career and graduate-school preparation as students progress through their majors.
“This award is a significant investment in the students and programs of Marshall’s College of Science,” said Wesley Stites, dean of the College of Science. “It reflects the strength of our faculty and their commitment to creating exceptional opportunities for the next generation of STEM leaders.”
Mummert leads the project with College of Science faculty members David Brink-Roby, geology; Sean McBride, physics; Laura McCunn-Jordan, chemistry; and Shannon Miller-Mace, mathematics, who serve as co-principal investigators.
The project’s research component will examine how coordinated scholarship, mentoring, academic support and professional development contribute to student success in the physical and quantitative sciences. External evaluation of the program will be conducted by the College of Education and Professional Development’s (COEPD) Evaluation & Assessment Collaborative, led by dean Kelly Bradley.
Recruitment for the first cohort of PQS Scholars will begin during the 2026-27 academic year. Applications are expected to open in January 2027 for students entering the program in fall 2027.
Students and families can learn more about the PQS Scholars Program, eligibility requirements, scholarships, and the application process at marshall.edu/pqsscholars or by contacting pqsscholars@marshall.edu.
The PQS Scholars Program is supported by the National Science Foundation Scholarships in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (S-STEM) program under Award No. 2619971.