The J.O. McClurkan Scholarship
The J.O. McClurkan Scholarship is a full-tuition scholarship for the best of the best, incoming freshmen who exemplify high academic success, leadership and service. Recipients of this award have demonstrated hard work through their high school careers and have touched the lives of others in areas like community service, leadership, extracurricular activities and more. They exhibit the desire to make an impact on their communities and pursue their passions in higher education.
How to Qualify and Apply
To apply for the J. O. McClurkan Scholarship, incoming freshmen must have a 28 or higher on the ACT (1300+ SAT) and a 3.5 or higher GPA (unweighted). ACT Superscores and SAT Score Choices will be accepted for this scholarship. Students must apply to the University and submit the McClurkan scholarship application, their transcript and test scores. Top applicants are then invited to interview at McClurkan Day in the spring.
The deadline to apply for the McClurkan scholarship is Friday, February 20, 2026.
McClurkan Day
The top candidates for Trevecca’s most prestigious scholarship are invited to campus for McClurkan Scholarship Day. As we celebrate the academic achievements of these hard-working, driven students, we also give them the chance to experience the campus and interact with fellow scholars. Students who are invited and attend will have the opportunity to meet one-on-one with professors in their intended field of study; tour the campus with current students; and interview with Trevecca’s administrators, staff and faculty. This V.I.P. day is tailor-made for the exceptional students who are the top McClurkan candidates.
Being selected to compete at McClurkan Scholarship Day qualifies a student as a "McClurkan scholar." As the best and brightest, students attaining this status have unique opportunities and receive special recognition at commencement.
McClurkan Scholarship Day for fall 2026 will take place Friday, March 6, 2026. Participation is by invitation only.
History of the Scholarship
The J. O. McClurkan Scholarship is named in honor of Trevecca’s founder and first president, Reverend J.O. McClurkan. McClurkan founded Trevecca as a ministry training school called the Pentecostal Mission to equip men and women to preach the message of holiness and salvation. He served as president from Trevecca’s beginning in 1901 until his death in 1914. In addition to this role, he was a man of compassion and service.
Following his passing, his obituary read, “Probably no minister in Nashville had done more to create for the [poor] a broader and more wholesome vision of life than Dr. McClurkan, who eagerly accepted every opportunity to stoop down and assist his weaker brother or sister.”
In addition to preparing students to follow God’s call, he was responsible for founding the Trevecca Hospital and the Pentecostal Home for Girls. Recipients of the McClurkan scholarship continue in his legacy of leadership and servant-heartedness and embody his spirit, which is best described by the simple phrase “He lived for others.”
2026 McClurkan Scholars
Sydney Meng
I have a heart to serve and enjoy using the gifts the Lord has given me in my church and community. I love to study and learn and I am passionate about growing and refining my understanding of God's Word as a scholar. My dream is to become a speaker and writer and I was recently given the opportunity to travel and intern with a Christian author and vocational minister that I highly respect. This has impacted how I view my life and calling, and given me so much excitement for the future!
Ensleigh Olivas
My name is Ensleigh Olivas and I am absolutely ecstatic to be receiving this award; it is so surreal that I am going to Trevecca. While in high school, I have been a member and leader in approximately 14 clubs and organizations. I hope to continue my academic career in Marketing with a Minor in Writing. Joining Trevecca as a student and as a servant of God is such an honor and I hope to make a difference within this community!
Ethan King
My name is Ethan Dale King, I'm from southeast Missouri, and I love music. I discovered my passion for music at age nine at a National Jr. Beta Convention in Savannah, Georgia where I won first place in performing arts for the first time. It changed my life, and ever since then, I've played in church, numerous bands, and written countless songs. I believe music is a gift from God, and I believe if channeled correctly, it can be used to help send a message and bring joy into the lives of people.
