Three Margaret Boyd scholars sit outside on a porch talking
Margaret Boyd Scholars Program

Margaret Boyd Scholars Program

Named in honor of Margaret Boyd, Ohio University's first female graduate (of the class of 1873), the Margaret Boyd Scholars Program provides diverse undergraduate students with intentional experiences which build skills and encourage self-reflection. The MBSP cultivates curious scholars who pursue knowledge, delight in discovery, champion equity and engage in community to advance female scholarship.

The program provides mentorship and a space for faculty, staff, students, and graduates to interact in mutual support that empowers students to engage with women and other marginalized genders to become leaders and citizens at OHIO and beyond.

The Margaret Boyd Scholars Program is open to students from all colleges and majors. Scholars are encouraged to pursue other interests, including study abroad, athletics, and involvement in campus and community organizations.

  • Advisory Board

    Meet the Margaret Boyd Scholars advisory board members!

    Advisory Board

  • Request More Info

    To find out more about the Margaret Boyd Scholars Program, please email Risa Whitson at whitson@ohio.edu or Betsy Kunstel at kunstel@ohio.edu.

Calling All First-Year Students! 

Join a select group of curious scholars who pursue knowledge, delight in discovery, and engage in community. The Margaret Boyd Scholars program is open to students from all colleges and majors.

The deadline to apply is October 15, 2026.

Apply Now

Year-by-Year Expectations For Margaret Boyd Scholars

  • Participate in MBSP onboarding 
  • Attend a minimum of one program meeting monthly, including social events, community engagement events, or professional development events
  • Attend a one-day retreat with new scholars in Spring semester
  • Enroll in WGSS 2330: MBSP First Year Seminar in Spring semester (2 credit hours)
  • Optional: Participate in the MBSP mentoring program
  • Live in Bryan Hall (unless exempt) or spend 4 hours a month in the MBSP Lounge
  • Attend a minimum of one program meeting monthly, including social events, community engagement events, or professional development events
  • You may optionally:
    1. Enroll in a one credit hour MBSP book club or community engagement seminar
    2. Take a leadership role in social events, community engagement, alumni interaction, communications, or more.
    3. Participate in new scholar selection or as a retreat leader
  • Participate in a volunteer opportunity or an internship via MBSP program
  • Engage in MBSP professional development workshops and meet with MBSP board members one-on-one
  • Attend a minimum of one program meeting monthly, including social events, community engagement events, or professional development events
  • You may optionally:
    1. Enroll in a one credit hour MBSP book club or community engagement seminar in Spring or Fall semesters
    2. Take a leadership role in social events, community engagement, alumni interaction, communications or more.
    3. Participate in new scholar selection or as a retreat leader
    4. Serve as a mentor for a new MBSP student
  • Enroll in WGSS 2900: MBSP Senior Seminar in Fall Semester (2 credit hours) 
  • Attend a minimum of one program meeting monthly, including social events, community engagement events, or professional development events
  • You may optionally:
    1. Enroll in a one credit hour MBSP book club or community engagement seminar in Spring or Fall semesters
    2. Take a leadership role in social events, community engagement, alumni interaction, communications or more.
    3. Participate in new scholar selection or as a retreat leader
    4. Serve as a mentor for a new MBSP student