History of the Scholarship
The Nations Family are passionate advocates for inclusion, equity, and access to higher education—particularly for transgender students and the broader LGBTQIA+ community. They established the Nations Family Scholarship to support undergraduate students who demonstrate a deep commitment to the values of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA), with a particular focus on advancing the rights and well-being of the queer community.
*Applications for this scholarship are currently closed. Please check back for future application opportunities.*
● Must be pursuing a bachelor’s degree at Texas State University
● Must be enrolled in at least 12 credit hours (full-time status) at the time of selection.
● Must have an overall GPA of at least 2.5.
● Must have completed a minimum of 50 credit hours
● Must be in good standing with the university during the time of selection.
● Must be an active member of an LGBTQIA+ organization that is open to all and demonstrate experience in or a commitment to supporting and promoting the needs of transgender individuals.
● Students must complete the full application process by the due date.
● As part of the application process, applicants must submit a 250–500-word essay outlining the importance of this scholarship in their educational journey. The essay should highlight leadership roles, advocacy efforts, extracurricular involvement, personal challenges, and their lived experience as a member of the LGBTQIA+ community. This essay should be written personally by the applicant, in their own voice, with no help from ChatGPT or other auto-generated sources.
Beginning with this cycle, the Grusendorf Award will be enhanced thanks to a gift from sociology alumna and former Grusendorf Award recipient Kenzie Nasser (’22), whose contribution reflects her commitment to honoring academic excellence and investing in future sociology students.
Recognizing the top undergraduate students in each of the six majors within the McCoy College of Business, this award celebrates academic excellence, leadership, and achievement. Six students are selected annually to receive a $500 award.
Beginning in 2026, Clinton B. Morris will fund a $4,000 annual scholarship for the next five years recognizing an outstanding senior in the Texas State Construction Science & Management Program. The award honors a graduating senior with strong potential in the construction industry.