The Letitia Walsh Doctoral Fellowship was established in honor of the late Professor Letitia Walsh of the Home Economics Department who died in 1978. Dr. Walsh left a lasting mark on the College of Education. This endowment supports fellowships for outstanding doctoral students. Dr. Walsh was interested in the achievement of women. 

This fellowship is for an entering doctoral U.S. citizen or permanent resident which may include University of Illinois students applying for a new degree. Priority is given but not limited to female applicants being admitted to doctoral study in the College of Education. Fellowships are by academic merit, professional experience, public service and potential for contributing to the field of Education. Each year, at least one entering doctoral student in the College of Education is designated as an outstanding Letitia Walsh Fellow.

Fellow stipend: $10,000.  The fellow will receive a $10,000.00 taxable stipend payable over 9-months which will be paid monthly directly to the fellows’ bank account.  In addition, the fellow will receive a tuition and service fee waiver for two consecutive years, pending satisfactory progress.  Please refer to the Current Fellows and Trainees Tax Information section of the Graduate College Fellowship Office for additional information regarding stipends that are subject to income taxes.

Departmental Requirements

Fellowships for incoming students are by departmental submission only on a rotating award schedule. Information is gathered from admissions materials. Departments are encouraged to be proactive in recruiting students and nominate top applicants for this unique Fellowship.

1. The applicant must be an entering master's or doctoral U.S. citizen or permanent resident from an underrepresented group.  This may include University of Illinois students who are applying for a new degree.

2. If the department's nominee is awarded the fellowship, the department will provide an assistantship of at least 25% in the fall and spring semesters for the duration of the fellowship so long as the fellow is in the admitting department in the College of Education and has satisfactory progress.

3. If the admission entry term is deferred, only one year of support for the fellow will be awarded.

Fellow Expectations 

1. Maintain full-time student status (minimum of 12 hours fall and spring semesters) for the duration of the fellowship in the admitting department in the College of Education.
2. Maintain satisfactory and continuous progress toward degree in the College of Education for the duration of the fellowship.
3. Attend the College of Education Student Recognition Brunch held in November to meet the donor, and write and thank the donor.