McKnight Scholars
The McKnight Scholars Leadership Program identifies, equips and empowers young scholars
to become life-giving leaders.
OSU develops leaders
and we’ve got the perfect scholarship to support them
The McKnight Scholars Leadership Program:
- Provides a full out-of-state fee waiver for four years.
- Provides $5,000 for each of the student’s first two years at OSU.
- Offers students an opportunity to develop essential leadership skills through exclusive coursework and seminars.
Eligible students will be selected, based on demonstrated leadership ability, community
service and/or work experience, academic success, and extracurricular activities.
To be eligible, students must be from out of state, with preference given to students
from rural communities. Transfer students are eligible.
About us
Purpose and practice
The McKnight Scholars Leadership Program begins with the selection of a diverse community
of out-of-state, rural students with a passion for service and extraordinary potential
for influence.
It is the expectation that McKnight Scholars become more aware of their passions and
aptitudes, gain skills to foster collaboration in following those passions, understand
how communities grow and improve, make an impact on their home community, and prepare
for influence beyond graduation. The program seeks to compliment the scholars’ entire
Oklahoma State University experience bringing a rich context and focus to their academic
journey.
History
The McKnight Scholars Leadership Program began in 2011 through a $10 million gift
from Ross and Billie McKnight. The endowment includes an out-of-state fee waiver for
four years, a $5,000 for the first two years, and a fully funded study abroad program.
The McKnight family believes strongly in the ability of OSU to prepare students to
be change agents in their respective professions, and as such, chose to invest in
students through the McKnight Scholars Leadership Program.