the phillip m. Fields Scholarship Award
2023 Recipient: Jacob Hockensmith
2024 Scholarship Applications
The South Carolina Aquatic Plant Management Society is seeking applications for its annual Phillip M. Fields Scholarship Award. The Society intends to award a $5,000 scholarship to the successful applicant at the SCAPMS Annual Meeting in North Myrtle Beach, SC September 30 - October 2, 2024. Scholarship funds are provided directly to the student and may be used by the recipient to cover costs associated with education and research expenses. Eligible applicants must be enrolled as full time undergraduate or graduate students in an accredited college or university in the United States. Course work or research in an area related to the biology, ecology or management of aquatic plants in the Southeast is also required.
Applications must be received no later than September 6, 2024 and will be evaluated on the basis of relevant test scores (ACT, SAT, GRE, etc.), college grades, quality and relevance of course work or research, a proposed budget, information obtained from references, and other related considerations. Other factors being equal, preference will be given to applicants enrolled in Southeastern and South Carolina academic institutions. The successful applicant may be requested to present an oral report on research activities at the annual meeting of the Society.
Download the application here, and please email Brett Hartis or Justin Nawrocki with any questions.
Note: All application information is to be submitted electronically.
Past Scholarship Recipients
- Shared by Ms. Delaney Davenport, N.C. State and Ms. Archana Venkatachari, University of South Carolina; 2024
- Mr. Jacob Hockensmith, Mississippi State University; 2023
- Mr. Samuel Schmid, Mississippi State University; 2022
- Mr. Yens Beets, N.C. State University; 2020
- Mr. Ian Markovich, University of Florida; 2019
- Ms. Amanda Howard, University of Georgia; 2018
- Mr. Andrew Howell, N.C. State University; 2017
- Ms. Amy Henry, N.C. State University; 2016
- Ms. Shannon M. Auell, N.C. State University; 2015
- Mr. Justin Nawrocki, N.C. State University; 2014
- Mr. Jamie Morgan, University of Georgia; 2013
- Shared by Ms. Brigette Haram and Mr. Albert Mercurio; 2012
- Ms. Julie Murphy, Coastal Carolina University; 2011
- Ms. Sarah True, North Carolina State University; 2010
- Ms. Amanda Rotella, Coastal Carolina University; 2009
- Shared by Mr. West Bishop and Mr. Justin Nawrocki, N.C. State; 2008
- Shared by Ms. Sara True, NC State and Mr. Joshua Cheshier, Mississippi State; 2007
Phillip m. Fields
November 24, 1951-October 24, 2012
Phil Fields, who the student scholarship is named after, passed away in October 2012 shortly after our annual meeting. If anyone did a word cloud on Phil when he was most active in the society the dominant phrases would be big heart, contagious laugh, quick wit, die-hard Clemson fan, and fund raising genius.
Phil loved his job with the Department of Natural Resources Aquatic Plant Management Program where he worked from 1985 to 2003. During that time he rose from the position of Field Technician to Field Supervisor where he directed the operations of the State Aquatic Plant Management Program on over 30 public waterbodies throughout the state. He was very active in the South Carolina Aquatic Plant Management Society where he served on committees, the Board, and rose to the highest level within our state professional organization to serve as President of SCAPMS.
One of the missions of the Society is to foster the development of young professionals by offering scholarships to college students. Phil had a big heart. He loved helping students so volunteered to head up the fundraising efforts when the program first started in 1991 and he continued in that role until his departure from DNR. No one could raise money like Phil. His enthusiasm, quick wit, and affable personality made it easy to give. He brought in over $40,000 during his tenure through raffle ticket sales at the annual meetings and donor contributions. Thanks to his dedicated efforts, the Society has been able to present scholarships to 29 students totaling $56,000. When Phil retired in 2003, the board decided to honor him by naming the SCAPMS Scholarship after him.
One of his goals was to build the scholarship fund up to $100,000 and make it self-supporting. We’re not there yet but Phil’s tenacious efforts gave us a good start. He was dearly loved by his colleagues and was known by many in the profession throughout the southeast. We’ll miss Phil but he won’t be forgotten. His legacy will live on. He will continue to touch the lives of students for many years to come through the Phillip M. Fields Scholarship. Thanks Phil.
Phil loved his job with the Department of Natural Resources Aquatic Plant Management Program where he worked from 1985 to 2003. During that time he rose from the position of Field Technician to Field Supervisor where he directed the operations of the State Aquatic Plant Management Program on over 30 public waterbodies throughout the state. He was very active in the South Carolina Aquatic Plant Management Society where he served on committees, the Board, and rose to the highest level within our state professional organization to serve as President of SCAPMS.
One of the missions of the Society is to foster the development of young professionals by offering scholarships to college students. Phil had a big heart. He loved helping students so volunteered to head up the fundraising efforts when the program first started in 1991 and he continued in that role until his departure from DNR. No one could raise money like Phil. His enthusiasm, quick wit, and affable personality made it easy to give. He brought in over $40,000 during his tenure through raffle ticket sales at the annual meetings and donor contributions. Thanks to his dedicated efforts, the Society has been able to present scholarships to 29 students totaling $56,000. When Phil retired in 2003, the board decided to honor him by naming the SCAPMS Scholarship after him.
One of his goals was to build the scholarship fund up to $100,000 and make it self-supporting. We’re not there yet but Phil’s tenacious efforts gave us a good start. He was dearly loved by his colleagues and was known by many in the profession throughout the southeast. We’ll miss Phil but he won’t be forgotten. His legacy will live on. He will continue to touch the lives of students for many years to come through the Phillip M. Fields Scholarship. Thanks Phil.
