DOROTHY STOCKTON SIMS SCHOLARSHIP FOR THE NON-TRADITIONAL GRADUATE STUDENT IN ELEMENTARY EDUCATION Established 2007 The Dorothy Stockton Sims Scholarship for the Non-Traditional Graduate Student in Elementary Education is available through the University of Central Missouri Foundation for a female non-traditional graduate student pursuing a degree in elementary education. This scholarship is made possible by way of a gift from the family of Dorothy Stockton Sims, 50. BACKGROUND: This scholarship was established to honor Dorothy Stockton Sims of Warrensburg, Missouri by her grandchildren and great-grandchildren as well as other family members. Her life has served as an example of extraordinary devotion to others, service at the highest levels and years of educational leadership through conscientious, diligent attention to developing, nurturing and enriching the lives of young children. While working on a Masters degree, Dorothy was a non-traditional student, spending many summers and evenings taking classes and studying while also teaching full time and taking care of her family. Throughout her graduate studies, Dorothy was resourceful, adaptable, disciplined and persistent. She overcame obstacles, and effectively managed her studies, career and most importantly, always remained family focused. This scholarship is a tribute to her very accomplished life and career in education as well as the love and devotion she shares with her family. Dorothy was born April 19, 1918 and in her early childhood lived north of Warrensburg, where her family farmed. She was the oldest of four children. The family moved to Topeka, Kansas for her father to find work with the railroad. She attended school in Topeka from her primary years through the first year of high school. The family then returned to Warrensburg and she attended Farmer s High School, a school she would later return to as a teacher. Following graduation, she attended Central Missouri State Teacher s College for two years, earning a sixty-hour teaching certificate. At the age of 19 Dorothy began her teaching career at Centerview, Missouri for $70 per month. She felt very fortunate to have a teaching position. She taught in the school from 1937-1940. In 1940 she married Robert Stockton, also a teacher and they moved to Eminence, Missouri where her two daughters were born, Judy (Stockton) Yancey and Jackie (Stockton) Harmon. After four years they returned to Warrensburg and Dorothy taught in the Warrensburg School District for one year while Robert served overseas in WWII. The family then moved to Versailles, Missouri and Dorothy taught first grade from 1946-1953. In 1953 Dorothy, Robert and daughters returned to the family farm north of Warrensburg. A son, Robert Mark Stockton was born the same year. Dorothy taught first and second grade at Farmers Elementary School until 1955. At that time she took the opportunity to accept a position in the Warrensburg School District and taught second grade for the next 17 years. In 1972 Dorothy became the Principal of Ridgeview Elementary in Warrensburg, Missouri and served the last 11 years of her teaching career in this position. In 1984, Robert Stockton, Dorothy s loving husband of 43 years passed away. Later, in 1986 she married Mr. Lee Sims, also an educator. Page 1 of 5
Scholarship Application BACKGROUND (continued): During her career Dorothy was an active member in the professional organizations of Missouri State Teachers Association, Kappa Delta Pi, and the Warrensburg Teachers Association. In retirement, she is an active member of the Retired Teachers Association. Community service has long been part of Dorothy s life. She is actively involved in her church and has been the director of the Senior Adult Sunday School Department for over 20 years, which includes weekly visits to shut-ins and teaching a Bible study in an area nursing home. Additionally, she helps with a weekly international women s group, teaching conversational English and helping prepare people to pass the TOEFL test in order for them to complete their college work. She has also been a team member on mission trips to Jamaica and Des Moines, Iowa. Music has been an important part of Dorothy s life and she has enjoyed singing in the Sanctuary Choir for over 70 years. She is a member of the Senior Adult Choir which presents a monthly program at two nursing homes. Dorothy serves the residents of the Warrensburg community in numerous ways and in 1997 was named Volunteer of the Year by the Chamber of Commerce. She has held leadership positions on the Warrensburg Christian Concerns Committee, the Christmas Store, Meals-On-Wheels, the Food Center, and the Arts, Books, and Crafts Club. She has served on the Board of Directors for the community group home for handicapped adults. Dorothy also is a member and leader in the Chapter KD of PEO. Summing up her career in education, Dorothy states, For as long as I can remember, I have wanted to be a teacher. I enjoyed my career immensely, and using the skills and knowledge gained in it, enjoy a very fulfilling retirement. I feel fortunate to have taught so long and to have been a part of the greatest profession in the world. CRITERIA: To apply, a student must: a. have completed an undergraduate degree at UCM; b. be a female, non-traditional graduate student at UCM pursuing a Masters Degree in Elementary Education; c. reside in Johnson County, Missouri (however, if no applicants residing in Johnson County, Missouri apply or are deemed ineligible, all other applicants meeting criteria shall be considered); d. have a minimum overall cumulative GPA of 3.0 (if student has completed less than 12 graduate hours use undergraduate GPA, if student has completed more than 12 credit hours, use graduate cumulative GPA); e. demonstrate good character, leadership and community service; f. demonstrate financial need. Page 2 of 5
Scholarship Application SELECTION PROCESS: 1. The recipient(s) of the Dorothy Stockton Sims Scholarship for the Non-Traditional Graduate Student in Elementary Education will be recommended by a selection committee designated by the Chair, Department of Curriculum and Instruction. Recipient(s) shall be approved by the Dean of the Graduate School. 2. The scholarship is non-renewable. A recipient may only receive the scholarship one time. 3. The application must be delivered or postmarked by March 1. Recipient(s) shall be announced by May 15 of any given year. 4. The Selection Committee, with the approval of the donor and the Executive Director of the Foundation, will annually establish the number and award amount. If adequate funding is not available, the Selection Committee may exercise the option of making no selection. APPLICATION DEADLINE: Applications must be delivered / postmarked by March 1 to: Department of Curriculum and Instruction Attn: Dorothy Stockton Sims Scholarship University of Central Missouri Lovinger 3300 Warrensburg, Missouri 64093 Page 3 of 5
Application for the DOROTHY STOCKTON SIMS SCHOLARSHIP FOR THE NON-TRADITIONAL GRADUATE STUDENT IN ELEMENTARY EDUCATION 1. Name UCM student ID# 2. Permanent address street city state zip code county 3. Home phone ( ) Cell phone ( ) Campus phone 4. Campus address E-mail 5. Major Minor 6. Cumulative GPA GPA in major 7. Estimated date of graduation/degree completion month year 8. Attach a list of campus and community organizations to which you belong. Be sure to list leadership roles when applicable. 9. Attach a brief statement of your professional goals as they relate to this scholarship. Be sure to include your plans and aspirations for the future. 10. Attach a current transcript. An unofficial transcript may be printed (free of charge) from the student portal at https://www.ucmo.edu/portal. 11. Personal Financial Statement indicate your estimated budget for the next school year. COSTS RESOURCES Tuition and required fees Personal savings Books, instructional material Earnings during vacation Room and board Part-time earnings during academic year Clothing Aid from parents/guardians Commuting expenses Other scholarships Personal and recreational Other resources Sorority/Fraternity dues TOTAL TOTAL Page 4 of 5
Application continued REFERENCES: 1. Name Relationship Phone Number E-mail 2. Name Relationship Phone Number E-mail UNDERSTANDING OF ACCEPTANCE: If I am selected as a recipient of this scholarship, I understand that I must meet the criteria as outlined in this application at the beginning of the semester in which the scholarship is to be applied to my student account. If my status should change before/during the academic year, I understand that I must notify the Department to which this application has been submitted. I further understand that a change in my status may affect my eligibility and the application of the scholarship to my student account. Signature Date Applications must be delivered / postmarked by March 1 to: Department of Curriculum & Instruction University of Central Missouri LOV 3300 Warrensburg, MO 64093 Page 5 of 5