The Virgia Brocks-Shedd Scholarship is awarded by the Mississippi Library Association Black Caucus Roundtable (BCRT) in honor of the late Virgia Brocks-Shedd who devoted twenty-six years of outstanding service to the Humanities. This award is made annually to a minority student and is a one-time, non-renewable award paid directly to the recipient. The recipient must attend the School of Library and Information Science at the University of Southern Mississippi at Hattiesburg. The winner will be announced at the MLA Breakfast Awards during the Annual Mississippi Library Association Conference. The scholarship committee would like to encourage the award recipient to please attend the breakfast.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Applicant must be a citizen or permanent resident of the United States or Canada.
- Applicant must be a minority.
- Applicant must attend the graduate program in Library and Information Studies at the University of Southern Mississippi.
- Applicant must begin school no later than the next Semester immediately following the award.
- Applicant may have full or part- time status.
How to Apply (the following items must be included):
- Completed Application Form
- Resume
- Copy of letter of acceptance to the University of Southern Mississippi (USM) or an official graduate school transcript.
- Two letters of recommendation. Letters should highlight the applicant’s academic and personal abilities and his/her potential to make positive contributions to the library profession.
- One page essay on ONE of the following topics:
What is your vision of the Librarian’s role in the twenty-first century utilizing technical advances and incorporating AI technology?
As a minority, what contributions can I make to the library profession that would promote the inclusion of minority authors and readership of their materials?
Virgia Brocks-Shedd Biographical Sketch
Winners:
- 2024 – Tiffany Smith
- 2023 – Kim Blackett
- 2022 – Contaka Norman
- 2019 – Shirley Ginn
- 2018 – Juana Harris
- 2017 – Brenette Nichols
- 2015 – Zupuriuh Harrington
- 2014 – Floyce Thomas
- 2013 – Marsha Belton (Mississippi Valley State University)
- 2012 – Roberta Martinez Fotter
- 2011 – Yvonne Slaughter
- 2010 – Sonia Harper
- 2009 – Sarah Heidelberg
- 2008 – Mara Villa
- 2007 – Billy R. Glasco
- 2006 – Halima Welch
- 2004 – LaGena Fantroy
- 2003 – Raymond Brookter
- 2002 – Pat Rodgers
- 2001 – Tasha Lucas
- 2000 – Jacqueline Quinn
- 1999 – Chameka Simmons
- 1998 – Tracy Caradine
- 1997 – Debra Lundy
- 1996 – Veronica Walker
- 1995 – Linda Johnson
- 1994 – Carol Williams