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New Mexico State University
Graduate School

 

Mike Watts Outstanding Leadership Fellowships

 

The Graduate School
New Mexico State University
PO Box 30001 MSC 3G
Las Cruces, New Mexico 88003-0001
505-646-2736 fax 505-646-7721
 

Memorandum

To:         Graduate Program Department Heads, Directors, and Staff
From:     Dean Lacey, Graduate School
Subject: Nominations for the Mike Watts Outstanding Leadership Graduate Fellowships
 

The Graduate School encourages faculty to nominate outstanding graduate assistants for a Mike Watts Outstanding Leadership award. The fellowship is made available through the generosity of the family and friends of Michael E. Watts. The Watts Fellowships are available to graduate assistants from any area of graduate studies. This award is for $1,500 and will be awarded this fall. To qualify for the fellowship, graduate assistants must meet a number of eligibility requirements. This criteria is listed below:

 

  • Graduate students must be United States Citizens.
  • Candidates must be of good character, integrity, and have the ability to search, find and recognize truth in all ventures.
  • Candidates must have and maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher.
  • Candidates must have demonstrated potential for leadership, and success in professional endeavors and human relationships.
  • Candidates must have the courage, determination and perseverance to overcome obstacles and to do their best to achieve success in all worthy projects and goals.
  • It is hoped the candidates will have a desire to pursue activities to improve the lives of less fortunate individuals and possess the desire to contribute to a better nation and a better world.

 

Only students currently on a state funded graduate assistantship will be eligible for consideration. If awarded, the Fellowship will be paid as a salary supplement to the regular assistantship.  Please note that for those students who also receive financial aid, the fellowship can have an impact on the amount of financial aid received.

If you have a graduate assistant that meets the qualifications, and intent of the fellowship, please have the student provide, through your office, the following:
 

1. A letter from the student outlining how they meet the criteria
2. A copy of their current transcript
3. Two letters of recommendation


Forward these materials to the Graduate School along with your endorsement. The Graduate School will review the applications and select recipients. We will keep the Watts family informed of the award recipients. Students may be asked to write a thank you note to the Watts family. Thank you for your help and cooperation. The deadline for receipt of all materials is May 11. Early submissions are encouraged. Please note that this is the second announcement about the award.