As of March 2025, the University is no longer awarding the Zerah Priestly Carter scholarship until such a time that federal guidance is updated.

The University of Evansville African American Alumni Association is pleased to announce the Zerah Priestly Carter Endowed Scholarship. Alumni members raised the funds to establish this endowed scholarship, named in honor of Zerah Priestly Carter '38, the first African American graduate of the University.

This scholarship is awarded annually to deserving African American students who are currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree at UE. These scholarship funds of at least $1,000 annually, are in addition to other financial aid/scholarships awarded to the recipient and are used to support the student after the first year of study is complete. The Zerah Priestly Carter Scholarship is renewable, dependent on academic progress and annual community service, for a maximum of three (3) years or completion of the Bachelor’s degree. Qualified students are encouraged to apply at this time.

Scholarship Eligibility

1. Current UE students who identify as African-American or Black are eligible to apply for the Zerah Priestly Carter Scholarship.
2. The minimum GPA requirement is 2.5.

Requirements

1. Completed application
2. Submit official UE transcripts
3. Submit one (1) letter of letter of recommendation
4. Submit a one (1) page essay detailing the applicant’s recent participation in a service activity that creates or promotes diversity and/or inclusion
5. If requested by ZPC Endowed Scholarship Committee, participate in a Zoom interview to address:If requested by ZPC Endowed Scholarship Committee, participate in a Zoom interview to address:
   1. professional goals;
   2. volunteer involvement in an African American community,
   3. why the candidate should be awarded the scholarship; and
   4. any other issues that will shed light on the candidate’s likelihood of success at UE.

Please contact the Office of University Advancement (812) 488-2586 for more information.