Pat and Scott Eston Graduate Fellowship

About the Fellowship

The fellowship provides support for MSU doctoral students who are studying and/or conducting research within the Water Alliance or other critical programs (including, but not limited to natural resources, ecology, sustainable/affordable housing, and/or mass timber). Recipients are selected in Spring Semester and awarded the following academic year.

Patricia (Pat) and Scott Eston are proud Michigan State University alumni whose philanthropy reflects a deep commitment to academic excellence, sustainability, and the future of business leadership. Both graduates of the Eli Broad College of Business ('78), the Estons have supported MSU in ways that advance innovation, student opportunity, and responsible stewardship and sustainability. Through the Eston Graduate Fellowship, Pat and Scott extend their impact to the next generation of scholars, ensuring that exceptional graduate students have the resources and support needed to pursue advanced study and contribute meaningfully to their fields. The fellowship reflects the Estons' belief that graduate education—paired with strong values and innovative thinking—plays a critical role in shaping leaders prepared to address complex global challenges.

Eligibility Requirements

• Currently enrolled full-time in a doctoral program at MSU and in "good standing"
• Enrolled in the semester of the award
• Not hold more than a quarter-time assistantship during the semester(s) of award
• Passed comprehensive examinations and currently engaged in dissertation research
• Studying and/or conducting research within the Water Alliance or other critical programs (including, but not limited to natural resources, ecology, sustainable/affordable housing, and/or mass timber)
• Not a previous recipient

Application Requirements

The Application/Nomination form will prompt you to upload:

• A description of your dissertation project and research interests
• A detailed timeline for completing your dissertation project
• Your CV

You will also be asked to provide the name and email of your major advisor. The Graduate School will contact your major advisor and ask for a letter of support. Applicants are asked to submit their application with enough time to allow the major professor/advisor to submit their letter of support. Applications without a letter of support will not be reviewed.

Fellowship Obligations

The Fellow is required to express acceptance of and appreciation for the award to the donors and to participate in an awards reception.

Additional Information

The recipient must be enrolled at Michigan State University in a doctoral program to receive the funds. The Graduate School will work with the recipient to decide if the funds will be awarded as a fellowship or assistantship.

For questions or additional information about this fellowship, contact tgsawards@grd.msu.edu.