The University of Puget Sound Staff Senate awards the Rosa Beth Gibson Staff Scholarship to staff members, spouses, domestic partners, and dependent children to support an educational pursuit or program at any level, including graduate work. The applicant may be attending Puget Sound or another university, college or vocational school either full- or part-time, or pursuing a non-degree educational opportunity. 

The scholarship was established in honor of Rosa Beth Gibson, former associate vice president for human resources, upon her retirement in November 2011.

Eligibility Criteria:

  • Applicant must be a current Puget Sound staff member, or a spouse, partner, or dependent of a current Puget Sound staff member
  • Applicant must be pursuing an educational program. Examples of eligible programs (not limited to):
    • 2- or 4-year degree program
    • Certificate program
    • Graduate program
    • Non-matriculant programs 
    • Auditing a class
  • Applicant must be seeking support for a covered expense of that educational opportunity. Examples of covered expenses (not limited to):
    • Books and materials, uniforms
    • Tuition and fees
    • Travel expenses

The selection committee’s determination of awards will be based on the following:

  • Prioritizing current staff members, particularly those obtaining first degrees
  • Funds available in the scholarship fund

The Rosa Beth Gibson Staff Scholarship opens annually in April, and applications are due by May 31, with decisions going out in June. Requests made outside of the annual application cycle are reviewed by the Service Committee on a case-by-case basis pending available funds.