From Naval History and Heritage Command
The Navy is calling for applications for the Samuel Eliot Morison Naval History Supplemental Scholarship Program for Academic Year 2016-2017. Applications are due no later than April 29, 2016.
The scholarship promotes development of a broad understanding of naval history within the American national experience which is in keeping with Chief of Naval Operations Admiral John Richardson’s strategic guidance to achieve high velocity learning at every level, particularly by understanding issues through the study of their history. Understanding the lessons of history prevents the need to relearn them and is an invaluable tool to place current issues in context allowing leaders to make sound decisions.
Dr. Crawford, Naval History and Heritage Command’s senior historian, leads a committee that evaluates the applications each year.“History provides the foundation for understanding the current events we face today,” said Crawford. “For that reason, the Navy’s history should be a vital part in forming Navy leaders of tomorrow. I look forward to reviewing the scholarship applications each year; the Morison scholarship is an investment to further knowledge of our Navy’s history throughout the fleet.”
The scholarship awards $5,000 to one active duty commissioned officer of the U.S. Navy or U.S. Marine Corps with demonstrated leadership potential and high academic qualifications who is already pursuing graduate study in history, international relations, or a related field.
Officers may compete for the Samuel Eliot Morison Supplemental Scholarship for study beginning in the fall of 2016 (academic year 2016-2017). They should submit a letter of application via their Commanding Officer to the NHHC senior historian. Due to mail security procedures for federal agencies in the District of Columbia, applicants should expect delivery delays. Candidates are reminded to mail applications with adequate time for delivery or use a commercial express delivery service. To counter delivery delays, please allow three to five business days beyond normal delivery times. Applicants on deployment without regular mail access may submit applications by email to michael.crawford@navy.mil. For more information on submission dates, methods and location, consult NAVADMIN 030/16
Application packages should provide the following information:
a. University presently attending or to which application has been forwarded and the current status of that application.
b. Copy of officer biography.
c. A statement from the applicant that includes an outline of the proposed education program, degree objective, and major.
d. A copy of all official college/university graduate and postgraduate transcripts.
e. A statement not to exceed 500 words concerning the relationship of the Morison Scholarship to the applicants interest and the value to be derived both by the individual and the Navy.
f. Commanding Officers endorsement.
g. Contact mailing address and e-mail.
Final selections will be made by NHHC’s director by May 30, 2016. Selection finalists will be based on the following criteria: relevance of the chosen area of study to U.S. naval history, demonstrated professional performance with particular emphasis on the officer’s specialty, academic ability, career needs of the officer and potential for professional growth.
The scholarship, which can be used to help pay for expenses related to research, travel, and the purchase of books or other educational materials, is named in honor of the late Rear Admiral Samuel Eliot Morison, USNR, an eminent naval and maritime historian and winner of the Pulitzer Prize.
