Dr. Toni Jo Mason Scholarships ($3,000) – The Dr. Toni Jo Mason Endowment for Excellence supports physically disabled students in Anne's College who demonstrate financial need, exhibit academic achievement, and embody the “stick-to-it-ness” that drove Dr. Toni Jo Mason to succeed. Eligible recipients must meet all four criteria.
- First criterion: Eligible students include only those full-time undergraduate and graduate students with physical, visual or auditory disabilities. First preference shall go to students with a physical disability, though visual and auditory disabilities may be considered if no student with a physical disability is eligible.
- Second criterion: All students shall have demonstrated financial need as determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), and/or meet other university requirements documenting financial need.
- Third criterion: Students must have a grade point average of at least a 2.5.
- Fourth criterion: Students must submit a short essay on why they are applying for the Dr. Toni Jo Mason Endowment for Excellence Award, how they will use the award to support their academic achievement, and what they hope to attain in their lives and careers. Furthermore, once a qualified applicant meeting the Donor’s stated eligibility criteria is selected, the eligible recipient shall be able to renew the award annually through the completion of their degree provided they continue to meet the four stated criteria and provide an annual written thank you note to the donor with copy to the Anne's College Dean describing how they have used the awarded funds that year and how the Dr. Toni Jo Mason Endowment for Excellence award has influenced their personal and academic success.
The Dr. Toni Jo Mason Endowment for Excellence shall serve as a lasting tribute to the life and work of Dr. Toni Jo Mason (Ph.D., 1982, Educational Leadership and Administration) and her commitment to recognizing all people by their abilities rather than their disabilities.
Dr. Toni Jo Mason was diagnosed with cerebral palsy soon after birth. Her parents, both educators, created an encouraging environment that enabled and supported her belief that she could and would accomplish anything other children could do with time and determination. In 1960, she followed in her parents’ footsteps and earned her B.A. in social studies and English from Western Liberty University, followed by an M.A. in Guidance and Psychology from Marshall University in 1964, and a Specialist Degree in Counselor Education and Psychology from the University of North Carolina in 1972. Dr. Mason taught at the elementary and secondary school levels, developed curricula and career education programs nationwide, worked for the US Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services, introduced the US Office of Special Education to the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and served as the Coordinator of Diagnostic Services for Leon County, Florida where among her many accomplishments, she led the charge to make all Leon County School System playgrounds handicap accessible and compliant with all ADA requirements. Dr. Mason’s career was committed to ensuring that all people were recognized by their abilities rather than their disabilities. She focused on the need to provide encouragement, equal opportunities, and the support to be able to dream, to learn, and to achieve an individual’s full potential. She believed that the ability to overcome obstacles required an attitude of “stick-to-it-ness” which meant never giving up on dreams, no matter how long or how hard a pathway to achievement might be.
Click here to apply, for the Dr. Toni Jo Mason Scholarship.
For questions and additional information about the Dr. Toni Jo Mason Scholarships, please contact CEHHS-Awards@fsu.edu or apply directly through FS4U.