The Dedman Distinguished Scholars Program honors Robert and Nancy Dedman of Dallas, Texas. With a generous gift of $10 million in 1986, the Dedmans created an endowment that has since grown into one of the most prestigious scholarship programs in the US. Over its life-span, the program has funded 155 scholars, including nineteen who are currently in residence. Scholars are enrolled in one of Liberal Arts’ honors programs, but many also major in other fields, such as computer sciences, engineering, and business. The passions and interests of the Dedman Scholars are wide-ranging, but they share one trait in common: the desire to lead purposeful lives that have a positive and lasting impact on the world around them.

The Dedman Distinguished Scholars Program is designed to recruit the most promising students and provide them with the financial, academic, and mentorship resources necessary to develop into the most accomplished graduates in the US. Successful Dedman Scholars will be able to compete for spots in the nation’s top graduate and professional schools; be competitive for the world’s most prestigious post -baccalaureate scholarships, such as the Rhodes, Truman and Marshall; or begin careers of distinction in their chosen fields. In short, successful Dedman Scholars will be among the most competitive candidates available for whatever opportunities they pursue.

Full-ride: $26,000 per year for four years

The Dedman Distinguished Scholarship offers a unique level of support, covering tuition, housing, books, and all education-related expenses for its recipients. The scholarship not only provides students with the economic resources they need to attend college, it also frees students from the time commitment of outside employment, allowing them to focus on their studies, extracurricular activities, community engagement, and personal growth.

Study Abroad/Research Stipend: up to $20,000

In addition to the scholarship itself, Dedman Scholars are awarded an additional stipend for unique learning opportunities beyond the classroom, such as…

• Study abroad
• Research projects and related travel
• Unpaid internships in their field of study

Dedman Academy Scholars participate in numerous enrichment activities together throughout the year, such as

• Going on weekend retreats to the UT McDonald Observatory in the Davis Mountains of west Texas;
• Attending plays by the famous Shakespeare troupe Actors from the London Stage when they perform at UT;
• Visiting museums and cultural centers, with private tours and exclusive access to special collections at the Harry Ransom Center
• Meeting with noted authors, intellectual leaders, and distinguished speakers when they visit UT. Previous guests included Jane Goodall and Michael Dell.

These trips and outings provide Dedman Scholars with opportunities for fellowship, fun, and intellectual exploration.