Overton R. Johnson Memorial Scholarship

The National Pan-Hellenic Council of Virginia Tech is pleased to offer the annual Overton R. Johnson Memorial Scholarship. The scholarship is named in honor of Dr. Overton R. Johnson who became the first Black academic faculty member at Virginia Tech in 1969. He continued to make Virginia Tech history by serving as the first president of the Virginia Tech Black Faculty/Staff Caucus, and as the first Black dean, serving as the Interim Dean of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences from July- December 1975. At the time of his death, Dr. Johnson continued service to the Hokie community as Associate Director of Institutional Research and Planning Analysis. He was also a proud member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Incorporated.

Students awarded the scholarship must be current undergraduate students (incoming prospective students and graduate students are not eligible to apply) enrolled as a full-time student for 2025-2026 and are not required to be a member of a Greek-lettered organization. Applications must be submitted by 11:59 pm on Friday, February 28th. Late, incomplete and/or applications that fail to adhere to application instructions will not be considered. This application is open to any current student who will be enrolled full-time for the 2025-26 academic year. You will be scored on the five following categories: Originality of Response, Clarity and Writing Quality, Advocacy for Inclusion and Representation, Community/Campus Involvement, and Leadership Involvement.

Please contact Chandler Crean, Assistant Director of Fraternity and Sorority Life & NPHC Advisor, at ccrean@vt.edu if you have questions or need additional information.