Awards and Scholarships
Throughout its history, the department has offered numerous awards and scholarships to recognize academic excellence among its students.
Awards
While medals are no longer awarded with exception to the History Faculty Award, notable examples include:
The History Medal (1936-1943):
Sponsored by the Old Walton Road Chapter of the D. A. R., this medal was awarded to graduating History majors with the highest average in several American History courses.
Dr. McClain History Medal (1922-1927):
Sponsored by Dr. W.S. McClain, this award recognized students with the highest grades in four years of history courses.
The Jere Whitson Hardware Company Scholarship Medal (1920-1944):
Initially awarded to students with the highest average in the History Department, this later focused on students excelling in History and Political Science curricula. Jere Whitson was a merchant and civic leader who was a guiding force in the development of early Cookeville. He also was the leading drive to establish Tennessee Polytechnic Institute here since he donated land for the cause.
Scholarships
Currently, several scholarships are available as of 2025, including:
History Faculty Scholarship/Award
Established in 1992, this scholarship is funded by contributions from faculty members and awarded to a student majoring in history. Awards are allocated annually at the discretion of the faculty.
Winchester Endowed History Scholarship
In July of 2005, Mr. J. Michael Winchester made a multifaceted $100,000 pledge to support Tennessee Tech’s History Department ($50,000), Baseball Team ($25,000), and Athletics Program ($25,000). In an effort to continue increasing the Winchester History Lecture Series and Endowment, originated in 1998, and ensure funding on an annual basis, Mr. Winchester’s commitment to History will supplement the existing Endowment with an additional $30,000, the remaining $20,000 of the pledge will support the Winchester History Lecture Series and the Student/Faculty Travel and Scholarship Fund, while the Endowment balance is increasing. Mr. Winchester plans to complete the $100,000 pledge with five $20,000 payments over a period of five years or less.
B.F. Jones Scholarship
Was established in memory of Dr. B. F. Jones. Dr. Jones became a professor in the History Department at Tennessee Technological University in 1964, and was appointed Chairman of the History Department in 1972.
Marion Hood Langlois and Arthur Joseph Langlois Endowed History Scholarship
This scholarship was created by Arthur J. Langlois in memory of his wife, Marion B. Hood Langlois. She attended Tennessee Tech and was a long-time resident of Cookeville, Tennessee. She had a life-long interest in history and she and Arthur funded a history scholarship while residing in Cookeville. This endowment will continue that scholarship to help deserving students pursue a degree in history.
Betty Sue Huddleston Allen Endowed Scholarship
Named in honor of Betty Sue Huddleston Allen, who earned her Bachelor of Science Degree at Tennessee Tech University in Education in 1965. In 1968, Betty also earned her Masers of Arts Degree in History.
Marshall and Thelma Bertram Liberal Arts Scholarship
Recognizes the contributions of two long-standing University educators, Marshall and Thelma G. Bertram. Their son, Phillip D. Bertram established this scholarship on April 13, 1988. In 1946, Marshall Bertram became one of the first members of the Tennessee Tech social studies faculty and taught history until his retirement in 1973. Thelma Bertram began her elementary education teaching career at Tech in 1947 and retired in 1973. There are several requirements for this scholarship including being a liberal arts major in history, English, or foreign language.
William J. Brinker Endowed Scholarship for Study Abroad
This scholarship funds scholarships for the Study Abroad Program for any History major or minor in good standing. Scott Hickman established this endowment in honor of Dr. William J. Brinker who was a long-time mentor at Tennessee Tech, who not only taught students History, but also took an interest in preparing them for challenges that lie ahead. He was a strong influence in inspiring Scott to pursue a law degree after graduating from Tennessee Tech. Therefore, Scott thought it was appropriate to establish this endowment as recognition of someone who cared for the wellbeing of his students.
Overall, it is safe to say that the History Department has progressed and most likely will continue to in regards to scholarships.