OXFORD, Miss. — UM Higher Education Ph.D. student Jennifer Payne is the inaugural recipient of the Fawcett Higher Education Scholarship worth $1,000 for the 2019-20 academic year. 

Payne, who also serves as an academic advisor for first-year business students in the Center for Student Success and First-Year Experience, began her doctoral studies this fall. The scholarship is endowed in the memory of former higher education chair John R. Fawcett. 

“I have always had a passion for teaching,” Payne said.  “I love reflecting on my personal and professional experiences and share them with other students. Ultimately, my goal is to positively impact the future generations of learners.” 

Born in South Carolina and raised in Georgia, Fawcett graduated from The Citadel in 1941 and served under General MacArthur in World War II. He met his wife, Patricia Alsop Kelly, during the war and the couple had eight children, seven of whom graduated from the University of Mississippi. Fawcett married Frances King Harvey in 2001 following the death of Patricia.  

After his military career, John earned his doctorate in education from the Florida State University. He accepted a position as chair of the higher education program at the University of Mississippi in 1967 and remained on the faculty until 1982. Fawcett is remembered for his leadership and sage guidance of numerous administrations throughout the country, especially those in the South. Het passed away in 2014.  

The Fawcett scholarship was endowed by Fawcett’s family in 2018. The scholarship supports students in the higher education program, with a first award preference given to students who have served in the U.S. military. One scholarship award is presented annually to a deserving student in the higher education department. 

For more information about supporting the higher education department, contact development officer Billy Crews at wlcrews@olemiss.edu or 662-915-2836. To make a gift online.

By Kelly N. Smith Marion