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Undergraduate Awards

University Scholars Program

The University Scholars Program (http://www.scholars.ufl.edu) introduces undergraduate students at the University of Florida to the exciting world of academic research. In the Program, students work one-on-one with UF faculty on selected research projects. Through this initiative, students will take away an understanding of and appreciation for the scholarly method. To apply for this award, students must first identify and contact a faculty member within the Psychology Department who will agree to serve as a mentor for the research project. Students who are already working with a faculty member in research are especially encouraged to apply. Students must then submit an application to the Psychology Department, who selects several applicants for further consideration by CLAS, who will make the final decisions regarding these awards. Application procedures and deadlines will be posted at https://psych.ufl.edu/undergrad/psychology-advising-2/ when applications for the program are being accepted.

Thomas G. Pye Scholarship

The Thomas G. Pye Scholarship Fund is a scholarship awarded annually (valued at approximately $2000) to an outstanding UF undergraduate psychology major who intends to pursue a career in mental health professions (as opposed to an academic or research career). The scholarship is designed to support undergraduate psychology students in their studies while at UF. Juniors and non-graduating seniors who are psychology majors with an overall GPA of 3.5 or higher are eligible to apply; graduating seniors are ineligible for this award. Application procedures and deadlines will be posted at https://psych.ufl.edu/undergrad/psychology-advising-2/ when applications for the program are being accepted.

Thomas G. Pye graduated from the University of Florida in 1979 with a bachelor’s degree in psychology. He went on to earn his law degree, a Juris Doctorate, at Mercer University in Georgia. He founded the Pye Law Firm in 1996 and opened its first office in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. In 2001, the Pye Law Firm opened its second office in Gainesville, Florida which has now become the home office of the firm. Mr. Pye has relocated back to Gainesville, the city he has loved all of his adult life, and heads up the firm’s office there. Mr. Pye has helped many students at the University of Florida and has been an active University of Florida alumnus and a leader in political, community and social causes. His involvement has included the Fair Housing Board of Palm Beach County, the Equal Employment Board of Palm Beach County, the Palm Beach County Human Rights Council, the American Red Cross, the Royal Purple Society (the local fundraising arm of the American Alzheimer’s Association), and various Gator Clubs.

David Robert Ferguson Memorial Award

The David Robert Ferguson Memorial Award was established in 2005 by David and Christina Ferguson in honor of their son, David Robert Ferguson, a UF psychology major who loved his collegiate experience and touched the lives of many in his 19 short years. This award ($1000) is given annually to an academically accomplished and outstanding undergraduate or graduate student who is majoring in Psychology and is a non-Florida resident (including non-US residents). Application procedures and deadlines will be posted at https://psych.ufl.edu/undergrad/psychology-advising-2/ when applications for the program are being accepted.