The Marcia Katz Scholarship Award
The Knoxville Association of Women Executives (KAWE) annually awards the Marcia Katz Scholarship to a woman scholar of promise who shows an interest in continuing her education and in developing as a professional in a field of her choice. Marcia Katz was the first woman to receive a Ph.D. in Engineering from the University of Tennessee. To honor her contributions in nuclear engineering research, teaching, and public service, KAWE has named and awarded this scholarship in her honor since 1990.
Scholarship recipients receive a cash award. See the Applications button below for current information on how to apply.
Eligibility is limited to women who
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- Have completed at least one semester at a 4-year accredited college
- Are currently enrolled to take classes as an undergraduate
- Are available for an interview if requested
- Provide an official copy of a current college transcript
- Provide contact information for two references
- Are not an immediate family member of a KAWE member
- Meet the deadline for receipt of applications
About Marcia Katz
Dr. E. Marcia Katz was an active KAWE member and the first woman to earn a mechanical engineering degree from UT (1975). After working for a national lab near Paris, France, Katz became the first female faculty member at the UT College of Engineering, where she taught, conducted research, and retired in 1985 as an associate professor of nuclear engineering. In 1985, she worked for Senator Jim Sasser, Washington DC, and returned in 1995 as a White House fellow advising the Clinton Administration on scientific and technological matters. Her recognition in 1978-79 as the Lily Fellow for Improving Undergraduate Teaching initiated a long list of honors and achievements, inspiring the KAWE scholarship, which we award in her name. Click HERE to read a tribute from Emma Bea Stallings, who read this tribute at Dr. Katz’ life celebration held by KAWE members in Knoxville. Click HERE to read a tribute from Thomas W. Broadhead, Ph.D., Professor and Director of Undergraduate Academic Advancement, UTK, a friend and colleague of Dr. Katz. Click HERE to read her obit.
Aastha Oza, Winner of the 2024 KAWE Marcia Katz Scholarship
Aastha is a current sophomore at the University of Tennessee Knoxville with a pre-med focus and a 3.9 GPA. She attended high school in Rockvale, TN. Her parents immigrated from India. Aastha has been very dedicated to community service (even in high school). She is an aspiring Emergency Medicine Physician and recipient of the 2024 Philip Scheurer Leadership Award and the 2023 National Delta Beta Sigma Outstanding Member Award. After classes, she travels to the Ft. Sanders hospital to volunteer. It is hard to believe she graduated from high school only two years ago. She is quite mature and accomplished at such a young age.
The Marcia Katz Scholarship Committee this year was chaired by Stacy Palado. Bing Cao and Mary Knepper served with Stacy.