The AugSTEM scholarships will be funded by a nearly $600,000 grant recently received from the National Science Foundation. The grant means that as many as 30 students in biology, chemistry, computer science, mathematics, and physics will receive important financial support as they pursue their academic careers.

“In today’s world, many students balance educational goals, the demands of family responsibilities, and the pressure to support themselves financially,” said Amy Gort, Assistant Vice President of Academic Affairs and Dean of Arts and Sciences. “These AugSTEM scholarships will help students maintain focus on their studies and have more time to explore career paths.”

Development of the grant proposal and the AugSTEM program was possible through a collaboration among faculty and staff.

“Science faculty recognized the high talent of our STEM students, and the tensions they balance between school and the rest of their lives,” said Benjamin Stottrup, Associate Professor of Physics. “We worked as a team to seek NSF funding. Our goal is to continue providing a rigorous academic experience that develops critical thinkers while providing additional programmatic support for these scientists as they transition to the workplace.”

About 50 percent of the scholarship recipients will be transfer students, and will further strengthen Augsburg’s partnerships with community colleges.

“We know from investigating the degree process of transfer students at Augsburg that we receive a significant number of transfer students in STEM,” said Rebekah Dupont, coordinator of the College’s Lois Stokes Alliances for Minority Participation (LSAMP). “Through the AugSTEM program, we hope to collaborate with STEM faculty at community colleges to support more seamless transitions for these students and to connect them more quickly with our continuing students.”

Next steps for the AugSTEM program include recruiting students to apply for the scholarships and making final programming decisions for fall. AugSTEM programming will include workshops and seminars, focus on professional development, and support Augsburg students in their transition to the scientific workplace.

The AugSTEM collaboration was led by Stottrup and Dupont, and the joint effort among faculty and staff will continue through the life of the grant.

To learn more about the grant, visit the .

Augsburg College currently has more than $3 million of active NSF funding. The largest individual active award, for more than $1 million, is for the ongoing work of Physics Professor Mark Engebretson for studies of magnetospheric physics.

Partial support for the AugSTEM program is provided by the National Science Foundation Scholarships in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (S-STEM) program under Award Number DUE-1154096.

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Professor Robert Cowgill of the Department of English, Excellence in Teaching

Bob Cowgill is a brilliant teacher who is held in high regard by his students and colleagues. A University of Minnesota alumnus, Bob’s primary purpose in teaching is to help students understand their full humanity, and to understand themselves as artists. He is recognized by his students for creating a classroom environment that is intellectually challenging, respectful, and fun. His colleagues marvel at his command of the art of teaching; his students never forget him and Augsburg would not be the same without him.

Professor Benjamin Stottrup of the Department of Physics, Distinguished Mentoring and Advising

There is a sense of pride among the students who work in Ben Stottrup’s physics lab that is palpable. They are working hard at a very high level because Ben creates a quality learning environment that is both challenging and supportive. He is recognized for his ability to effectively mentor both novice and skilled student researchers. An alumnus of the University of Minnesota-Morris and the University of Washington, Ben is dedicated to helping students realize their potential as they prepare for graduate school or industry.

Professor Diane Pike of the Department of Sociology, Distinguished Academic Leadership

Diane Pike, former Director of the Center for Teaching and Learning, has made innumerable contributions to Augsburg College as teacher, scholar, and dedicated citizen. An alumna of Connecticut College and Yale University, Diane’s creative vision for faculty and staff development has enriched our campus community tremendously and shaped our understanding of the scholarship of teaching. Her leadership role in developing the Augsburg Core Curriculum stands out among her many accomplishments.

Professor Frankie Shackelford of the Department of Languages and Cross-Cultural Studies, Distinguished Academic Leadership

Frankie Shackelford is best known to Augsburg’s newest faculty members as the co-leader, along with Bruce Reichenbach and Tom Morgan, of the two-year orientation seminar sponsored by the Center for Teaching and Learning and the Exploring Our Gifts program. She is a trusted coach and mentor to seminar participants. An alumna of Texas Christian University and the University of Texas, Frankie is known to the entire Augsburg community for her leadership of countless initiatives that have made a significant difference in the academic life of the college, including the First-Year Experience Program, Augsburg Seminar, Learning Communities, Faculty and Staff Development, and the Peace Prize Forum. She is an extraordinary teacher and scholar who personifies Augsburg’s motto, Education for Service.

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