Physical Education Awards Program for Students

Scholarship Information for Students

There are a number of awards given by the Department of Physical Education, Sport and Human Performance to recognize student achievement.  A faculty/student committee conducts the initial screening for the Sturgis, Ford, and Scarborough awards and makes recommendations to the faculty of the Department of Health & Physical Education.

The NASPE Major of the Year is a national award.  The National Association for Sport and Physical Education invites departments to designate an outstanding senior physical education major to be recognized at the NASPE Awards Ceremony at the AAHPERD Convention

The Ruth Sturgis Scholarship was established by family, friends, and physical education alumni to honor Ruth Sturgis, a former faculty member in physical education.  The scholarship is awarded to a physical education major on the basis of character, service and leadership. 

The Mary Wylie Ford Award is given in honor of the former chair of the Physical Education Department.  Dr. Ford received her undergraduate degree in physical education from Winthrop.  After teaching and earning both master’s and doctoral degrees, she returned to Winthrop as a member of the Physical Education Department.  She then became department chair, a position she held for more than 30 years.  This award is given as a tribute to Dr. Ford’s professional service throughout her career and goes to a senior physical education major who demonstrates professional promise.

The Taylor Award for Excellence in Teaching  was established in 2000 to honor Dr. Mickey Taylor for her lifelong commitment  to the preparation of physical education teachers.  Dr. Taylor provided leadership in teacher education at Winthrop and throughout South Carolina.  The award was established by former students and colleagues to recognize a student for outstanding performance in a teaching internship.  Students recognized as outstanding interns prior to the naming of the award are included on the plaque and on the list.

The Hellams Award for Excellence in Physical Education is presented annually when there is a qualified recipient.  The award was given in memory of Harriet “Babs” Hellams who received her B.S. degree in physical education from Winthrop in 1945.  She died in a diving accident following her graduation and her family wanted to honor her memory with an award.  This was the first award established in physical education and remains the most prestigious of all the awards.  The award is presented to a senior who qualifies on the basis of scholarship, character, leadership, professional skill, enthusiasm, and social qualities.

The Mary Roland Griffin Award for Graduate Study in Physical Education was established to honor a former faculty member and chair of the department.  Along with her teaching responsibilities, Dr. Griffin coached women’s basketball and was Winthrop’s first athletic director.  The award recognizes the outstanding graduate student in physical education and is based on academic achievement, character, leadership and professionalism.

The Bobb Award in Athletic Training was established in 2001 to honor Dr. Maeberta "Bert" Bobb, former faculty member and department chair. Along with her teaching responsibilities, Dr. Bobb coached field hockey and basketball.  She was instrumental in the development of the athletic training option in the physical education major.  The award will recognize an outstanding student in athletic training based on academic achievement, professionalism, and involvement in student activities.

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