Baylor Aviation Sciences Scholarships

The Darwin Whiteside Endowed Scholarship Fund was established in 2020 by Charles and Jo Ann Whiteside of Kilgore, Texas, honoring Charles's brother, Darwin Whiteside. Dr. Charles Whiteside served as founder and CEO of Ana-Lab Corp. in Kilgore, Texas, the 19th largest environmental lab in the United States at the time of his retirement in 2016. Ana-Lab grew consistently under his leadership, known for conducting environmental tests for local, county, state, and federal government agencies, as well as oil and gas companies. Jo Ann Whiteside earned her B.A. in 1955 from Baylor University. Charles and JoAnn's daughter, Dr. Nancy Brickhouse (B.A. '82), became Baylor University Provost in 2019. This endowed scholarship fund provides assistance to deserving students attending Baylor University, Waco, Texas, who are enrolled in the College of Arts & Sciences, with preference given to students pursuing a degree in the Institute for Aviation Sciences.

The John and Nancy Pearce Endowed Scholarship Fund for the Institute of Aviation Sciences was established in 2021 by John and Nancy Pearce of Scottsdale, Arizona. This endowed scholarship fund provides assistance to deserving students attending Baylor University, Waco, Texas, who are enrolled in the College of Arts & Sciences, with preference given to students pursuing a degree in the Institute for Aviation Sciences.

Award Criteria

Both awards are made annually on the basis of merit and need. Specific eligibility requirements are as follows:

• At the time of application must be enrolled at Baylor and have a declared Aviation Sciences or Aviation Administration major
• Must have a minimum grade point average of 3.0
• Must have a minimum Aviation Sciences GPA of 3.0
• Must be registered with the Student Financial Aid Office and have a FAFSA on file
• Application includes required short answer: "Why should you be considered for an aviation scholarship
  please explain in 500 words or less".

The application period for the 2026-27 academic year awards is March 1 to March 30, 2026.