About the Program

History |  Eligibilty and Opportunities  |  Program Activities

History: The John Newton Templeton Story

Born a South Carolina slave around 1805, John Newton Templeton was emancipated at age eight by his owner's will in 1813. The Rev. William Williamson, the owner's son, and a staunch Presbyterian abolitionist, took Templeton and his family to Adams County, Ohio, where the Templetons were freed. While Templeton attended Ohio University, he lived in the log cabin known as the Silas Bingham House that is currently located along the Hocking River in Tailgreat Park across from the Convocation Center.

In 1824, Templeton entered Ohio University. Four years later, he received his bachelor's degree, becoming only the fourth African-American college graduate in America and the first in the Midwest.

Templeton used his education to help other people of African descent; in 1835, he was arrested in Virginia for teaching them to read and write. Eventually he settled in Pittsburgh, where he became the first teacher and principal of the citiy's first African School.

Eligibility + Opportunities

The Templeton Scholars Award Program is a merit scholarship program for academically talented students. With an emphasis on academic excellence, leadership, and campus involvement, the Templeton Scholars program honors John Newton Templeton's legacy of academic achievement and excellence at Ohio University.

The Scholarship

The Templeton Scholars Award Program is a four-year renewable scholarship that includes:

• Full in-state tuition

• Double room in a residential learning community

• 20 meals per week

• Book allowance

• Participation in Legacy (a weeklong summer pre-enrollment experience)

• Participation in seminars and lectures organized around a learning agenda facilitated by the Templeton Scholars Faculty Associates

• Special opportunities outside the classroom such as the performing arts, literary festivals, visiting lecture series, and leadership seminars

Eligibility

A student must be a member of a disproportionately represented group,  and have a minimum 28 ACT or 1240 SAT, as well as demonstrate academic merit and personal achievement. Those who qualify will be notified by the Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships and the Office for Diversity and be invited for an on-campus interview.

Program Requirements

• Demonstrate academic excellence in selected field(s) of study.

• Complete at least 16 credit hours per quarter.

• Maintain a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or above.

• Participate in weekly seminars as well as personal and intellectual enrichment programs.

• Attend quarterly conferences with the program staff.

Scholarships are renewable as long as course requirements, grade point average, and program requirements are met.

Program Activities

Summer Program: Legacy

A weeklong summer pre-enrollment experience for scholars in order to provide opportunities to:

• Meet and build relationships with other Templetons to become part of a scholarly community.

• Meet University administrators and outstanding faculty on campus.

• Participate in an engaging and challenging outdoor recreational activity that utilizes problem-solving and leadership skills.

• Learn about campus organizations, resources, and support services.

• Explore a variety of rich topics on diversity.

• Engage in an exciting research project of each person's choosing.

• Learn more about academic programs and course offerings.

• Begin exploring many career options and life-enriching opportunities.

Fall/Winter/Spring Programs

Welcome Reception
A social program that provides new students with an opportunity to meet Ohio University faculty, staff, and students.

Opening the Way
An introduction to Ohio University and various campus organizations serves to invite students into the University community.

Academic Advising Social
A Fall Quarter event for first-year students sponsored by the President's Office for Diversity and the college representatives to explore academic programs, provide career advice, and ensure that students are developing study habits for success.

Round Table Discussions
Weekly meetings at which Templeton Scholars and Ohio University faculty and administrators focus on current cultural or social issues.

Supplemental Instruction Sessions
Weekly study sessions for Scholars enrolled in various courses in order to support the pursuit of academic excellence.

Undergraduate Research Project
Opportunity for sophomore Templeton Scholars to work with a faculty adviser in presenting to the campus community scholarly research on a current cultural, social, or political issue.

Personal Growth Journal
A reflective essay in which each student is encouraged to share collegiate experiences, explore values, discuss belief systems, analyze challenges, and engage in evaluative planning regarding academic and career goals.

Mentoring
An opportunity to have a mentor who will provide advice and guidance regarding personal, academic, and career goals.

Community Service
An opportunity to explore and identify with the community and to make a difference in the lives of those with needs.

LINKS Summer Program
This student support network gives upperclass students the opportunity to be linked as peer mentors to first-year students. The program also includes academic workshops, assemblies, social activities, and semimonthly discussions.