Dr. Mabel S. Spencer Award for Excellence in Graduate Achievement
The Spencer Award, established by the daughters of Dr. Mabel S. Spencer, honors the memory and outstanding professional achievements of Dr. Spencer. It carries a stipend of at least $20,000 and candidacy tuition remission (if not covered by other tuition remission).
Dr. Spencer taught at the University of Maryland from 1948 to 1968. Her energy, dynamic personality, and commitment to bringing about the positive change made her a leader in the University community. Dedicated to programs and activities that advanced the interests of women at the University, Dr. Spencer was also known for her extraordinary ability to communicate with and provide assistance to her students, especially those from underrepresented minorities and from foreign countries.
Eligibility: Eligible candidates are University of Maryland doctoral students who will have reached candidacy by August 1, 2026.
Nomination Deadline: Departments/Programs may nominate ONE student for this award. Nomination deadline is noon on Wednesday, March 4, 2026. *
*Eligible students must contact their department for the department’s internal deadline.
AY 26-27 Guidelines and Nomination Cover Sheet
Award Recipients
2025 Melodie Jackson, American Studies
2024 Makeda Walelo, Health Services Research
2023 Josanne Fiona Francis, Music Education
2022 Grace Henry, Biochemistry
2021 Aitalohi Amaize, Health Policy Management
2020 Sabrina Gonzalez, History
2019 Ashley Minner, American Studies
2018 Tsega Solomon, Chemistry and Biochemistry
2017 Kelsey Gray, Bioengineering
2016 Allissa Richardson, Journalism
2015 Rachel Walker, History
2014 Erica Doxzen Roberts, Behavioral and Community Health
2013 Anna Windham, History
2012 Jocelyn Smith, Family Science
2011 Sunyoung Lee, Kinesiology
2010 Fatemeh Hosseini, History
2009 Genevieve Martinez Garcia, School of Public Health
2008 Oluyomi Okunola, Chemistry and Biochemistry
2007 Tagide de Carvalho, Biology
2006 Erin Hoerl Leone, Animal and Avian Sciences