Dedman Distinguished Scholars Endowment Increases to $20 Million to Support Scholarships

The College of Liberal Arts at The University of Texas at Austin now has a unique recruiting advantage — full scholarships covering tuition, books, room and board, study abroad and internship opportunities.

“The Dedman Distinguished Scholarship is the premier scholarship in the College of Liberal Arts and one of the most generous in the nation,” said Randy Diehl, dean of the College of Liberal Arts. “These signature scholarships could be the deciding factor for brilliant students trying to choose between The University of Texas at Austin and other top-tier universities.”

Thanks to an additional $5 million gift from Nancy Dedman and The Dedman Foundation, selected liberal arts undergraduates will receive awards of up to $20,000 per year, plus one-time awards of up to $7,500 for study abroad, and additional support for unpaid internships and thesis research.

There are currently 13 Dedman Scholars annually, but the new funding will allow for an increase of at least six scholarships for fall 2013 and will build up to 25 scholarships during the next four years.

Increased funding will provide more guest lectures and field trips and will foster community service opportunities. The Dedman Distinguished Scholars Program plans to build an alumni association via social media and to increase alumni participation through mentorship opportunities and continued involvement in the selection process.

“We always envisioned this would be the premier scholarship program among elite state universities in the country,” said Larry Carver, the director of the Dedman Distinguished Scholars Program and Liberal Arts Honors. “Our alumni are a spectacular group. They’ve not only distinguished themselves in their careers, but have given back to their communities.”

“We are excited to add to the Dedman Distinguished Scholarship so UT Austin can proactively attract and retain the brightest students nationally who have the greatest potential for improving our world,” said Bob Dedman Jr., economics alumnus and president of DFI Management Ltd.

The Dedman Distinguished Scholars Endowment was first established in June 1986. It honors Robert and Nancy Dedman of Dallas whose $10 million gift funded the endowment, which has since grown in value. To date, their gift has supported 132 Dedman Scholars.