The Morehead-Cain Foundation – home of the first merit scholarship program in the United States – is proud to announce its class of 2019.
This fall, Morehead-Cain will welcome to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill 59 new Morehead-Cain Scholars from across North Carolina, the United States, and the world. The class of 2019 includes: 34 scholars from North Carolina and 25 scholars from outside North Carolina, including:18 scholars from 10 different states; four scholars from the United Kingdom; a scholar from Canada; a scholar from China; and a scholar from South Africa
The Morehead-Cain Scholarship covers all expenses for four years of undergraduate study at UNC-Chapel Hill. In addition, it features a distinctive program of summer enrichment experiences designed to support students as they learn and grow. During the course of four summers, scholars will have opportunities to complete an outdoor leadership course, commit themselves to public service in the U.S. or abroad, conduct research at sites around the world, and gain experience in private enterprise.
The Summer Enrichment Program is complemented by the Morehead-Cain Discovery Fund. With financial support, scholars are encouraged to more deeply explore their interests, whether they involve studying under celebrated artists, attending leadership retreats, or obtaining wilderness first responder certification. From researching renewable energy technologies in Europe to tracing the path of native bumblebees in the Patagonia region of Chile, Morehead-Cain Scholars have the resources to pursue educational opportunities wherever they may find them.
As set out in the program’s founding documents, selection criteria for the Morehead-Cain are leadership, academic achievement, moral force of character, and physical vigor. Morehead-Cain recipients are chosen solely on the basis of merit and accomplishment.
Currently, more than 200 Morehead-Cain Scholars study on campus, making outstanding contributions across the full range of University life. From student government to community service to the performing arts, Morehead-Cain Scholars play a prominent role in Carolina’s vibrant student community. For example, during the past ten years five student body presidents, four student attorneys general, and four honor court chairs have all been Morehead-Cain Scholars.
Within the past 15 years, 14 Morehead-Cain Scholars have won Rhodes Scholarships to England’s Oxford University, one of the world’s most competitive and prestigious awards for graduate study. Since the first Morehead Scholars graduated from Carolina in 1957, 31 of UNC’s 34 Rhodes Scholars have been Morehead-Cain graduates.
Morehead-Cain Scholars have accounted for 24 of the University’s 36 Luce Scholars and 19 of Carolina’s 32 Truman Scholars, among the nation’s most generous and distinguished awards for graduate study. Twenty-seven Morehead-Cain Scholars have won Fulbright Fellowships.
For the complete list of scholars, click here.
Published April 24, 2015.