They are need-based scholarships for Christian females from southern states. The financial aid office determines need eligibility and awards are made by the Nursing Department Head. No application is needed and all eligible students are considered. Awards are made in the summer for the following academic year. The amount of individual awards is based on the total donation from the Whitehead Foundation, the number of eligible students, and the level of need.
All students are eligible but larger rewards are made to upper level students.
Students on academic suspension, probation, or warning are not eligible for this scholarship. The Merck Award, given by the Merck Company, goes to the senior student with the highest cumulative GPA in nursing courses.