Occupational & Environmental Health Scholarships

The scholarship was established in 2017 by Mehdi Azimi, Ph.D., 1981 alumnus of the College of Public Health. Dr. Azimi has been involved in the consultation practice of development, implementation and administration of public and environmental health and risk management through promotion and prevention since 1978 for private companies, government agencies, health care facilities, hospitals and prison systems nationally and internationally.  Dr. Azimi, who now owns his own risk management company and has a strong passion for environmental health, wishes to give back and support future public health professionals.

Selection criteria:

• Full time enrolled student in the Department of Occupational and Environmental Health
• Overall GPA of 3.00 or higher

The scholarship was established in 2009 to honor Ronald L. Coleman, PhD (1934-2008). Dr. Coleman served OU for 37 years, 15 as Chair, Department of Occupational and Environmental Health. He was an environmental toxicologist, his area of research focused on biochemical effects of carbon black, metals and petroleum products. He was recognized with several campus-wide awards for his commitment to students and outstanding teaching. He was a lifelong learner who was never limited by “the box” and believed success comes from persistence and hard work. He was widely published, including book chapters, national presentations and prestigious scholarly journals. He was a modest man, who didn’t take himself too seriously and who valued personal integrity above all else. He devoted to his faith, family, community and service.

Selection criteria:

• Full-time, regularly enrolled student in the Department of Occupational and Environmental Health
• Minimum GPA of 3.5  
• Demonstrated financial need    
• Plus consideration given to applicants who have demonstrated involvement in volunteer service activities

The scholarship was established in 2011 by ConocoPhillips. ConocoPhillips’ primary goal is to operate a safe and efficient business that protects communities and environments. These scholarships were created to help advance public health education at OU and target students whose career paths align with the company’s goal. This endowment is the first corporate-sponsored scholarship in the College. The endowment enhances existing support by ConocoPhillips, including three-month summer internships and participation in programs that provide students access to career opportunities and ways to stay current in the field.

Selection criteria:

• Full-time, regularly enrolled student in the College of Public Health Department of Occupational and Environmental Health
• Have satisfactorily completed 9 hours in the College of Public Health
• Minimum GPA of 3.5
• Plus consideration may be given to students from an under-represented group

The scholarship was established in 2016 by Dr. and Mrs. David L. Johnson and family to provide scholarships to students pursing studies in the area of Occupational and Environmental Health.  Dr. and Mrs. Johnson are both long-time employees of the University with a commitment to helping OU students succeed and meet their professional goals and careers.  Dr. Johnson, Professor and Associate Dean in the College of Public Health has been with the University since 1991 and Mrs. Patsy Johnson, Senior Administrative Manager in the College of Allied Health, has been with the University since 1993.

Selection criteria:

• Full-time, regularly enrolled student in the Department of Occupational and Environmental Health
• Completed at least 9 hours within the program
• Minimum GPA of 3.3
• Demonstrated financial need

The scholarship was established in 2020 by 1994 OEH alumna, Kathleen Shaver to support students pursuing a degree in the field of occupational health, environmental health or industrial hygiene. After graduating from OU, she held various teaching posts and environmental health jobs all over the United States driving responsible supply chain manufacturing practices for automotive, chemicals, toys and now electronics manufacturing. Kathleen has led several global initiatives dedicated to advancing voluntary codes of conduct and promoting ethical sourcing practices. Presently, Kathleen is the Director of Supplier Responsibility for Apple where she leads the firm’s initiatives to ensure the safe launch of new manufacturing and green initiatives to conserve natural resources in its supply chain.

Selection Criteria

• Full-time, regularly enrolled student in the Hudson College of Public Health Department of Occupational and Environmental Health
• Overall GPA of 3.5 or higher
• Must have a demonstrated socioeconomic disadvantage
• Must not be the Donor or an immediate family member of the Donor