Communication Scholarships and Awards

Scholarships and awards are one way we recognize the hard work and dedication of the students and faculty in the School of Communication Studies.

At Kent State University, we’re dedicated to the success of our Communication students. Helping your finance your degree is one way we want to empower your success. Find out how your academic performance could help you pay for school.

Submit applications each year by February 15. Applications must include the following:

  • Completed application form (download forms by clicking scholarship titles below)
  • Official transcript of Kent State University coursework
  • Two letters of support

A committee of faculty members and an alumni or additional representative chosen by the director of the School will choose the award recipients each year.

Michael Dubetz Endowed Scholarship

Prior to coming to the campus, Dubetz taught at schools in East Springfield, Jefferson Union, Circleville, and Gibsonburg, Ohio. He was also the supervising principal and executive school head of the Bergholz, Ohio, school district.

Michael Dubetz, a resident of Ravenna, Ohio, at the time of his death on February 2, 1986, was a 1947 graduate of Kent State University as well as a member of the speech faculty for thirty-two years until his retirement in 1980. He joined the Kent State faculty as a speech instructor in 1948 and was designated an emeritus professor upon his retirement. He was a member of the Department of Rhetoric and Communication and also served as director of the Student Speakers Bureau for 18 years.

Michael received his master’s degree in education from the University of Pittsburgh and continued his education with doctoral work at The Ohio State University and the University of California. He was a U.S. Army veteran of World War II, serving in India. He married Shirley Robb Dubetz, a lawyer, in 1955 and was the father of five children, two of whom also received their bachelor’s degrees from Kent State, Nancy in 1980 and Mary in 1985.

The Michael Dubetz Endowed Scholarship will be awarded annually. The recipient will receive a scholarship to be used the following academic year.

Eligibility Criteria:

  • Junior communication studies major
  • Earned cumulative grade-point average of 3.0 minimum
  • Exhibited strong leadership and personal achievement

Lawrence W. Hugenberg Memorial Award

The Lawrence W. Hugenberg Memorial Award is awarded to the undergraduate the school believes has achieved the utmost growth and development since the beginning of their entry into the Communication Studies program.

Nancy E. Mitchell Endowed Scholarship

This scholarship is awarded to juniors with a 3.0 cumulative GPA and a 3.25 in the School of Communication Studies. Applicants should be involved in campus and/or community service organizations or groups, demonstration strong leadership and personal achievement skills.

This scholarship recognizes students who have chosen to balance the requirements of academic study with efforts to make a meaningful contribution in service to others. Throughout their college careers, these students have established a sustained record of academic excellence; maintained a consistent record of active involvement in service to their campus and/or community; and provided effective leadership for organizations or groups engaged in service activities.

Pierce Memorial Award

Each Spring the School of Communication Studies recognizes a senior communication studies major who has shown outstanding service to the school. This award was established by Dorothy Pierce in the memory of her husband, M. Scheffel Pierce, a 1943 graduate of Kent State.

The Pierce Memorial Award will be awarded annually.

The recipient will receive a book chosen by the student.

Eligibility Criteria:

  • Senior communications studies major
  • Exhibited strong academic performance, motivation and character. This scholarship is given to a communication studies major who exhibits strong scholarly effort and/or service during their time at Kent State University.

Rebecca & Alan Rubin Endowed Scholarship

This scholarship is given to a student that shows strong academic performance, motivation, character, ability and potential.

The Rebecca & Alan Rubin Endowed Scholarship will be awarded annually.

The recipient will receive a scholarship to be used the following academic year.

Eligibility Criteria:

  • Communication studies major
  • At least one year left to complete
  • Strong academic performance, motivation, character, ability and potential.

Top Scholar Award

This award is given annually to the communication studies major graduating in May who has the highest grade point average. The recipient will receive an engraved gift and a plaque with the names of the recipients is hung in Taylor Hall. Applications are not necessary for this award.

Hyde Park Forum

Every student enrolled in COMM 15000, Introduction to Human Communication, during the current school year is eligible to compete int he Hyde Park Forum. Students are required to submit an electronic copy of their Persuasive Speech Outline, References, and Cover Sheet.

Judges for the final round of the competition include area business, education, and political leaders. Winners receive monetary prizes, public recognition at the school’s annual Honors Week Awards celebration each Spring semester and a plaque with the names of the recipients is displayed in Taylor Hall.