Precious Hall receives Jeltz scholarship

Office of Communications & Marketing |Northeastern State University
TAHLEQUAH, Okla. -- Established to help minority students pursue their dreams of higher education, the Jeltz Scholarship Foundation recently awarded a $900 scholarship to Precious Hall, a junior majoring in social work, during a meeting at the Center for Admissions and Student Enrollment at Northeastern State University.

Hall, of Tulsa, was presented the award by Dr. James L. Mosley, foundation trustee chairman, on May 3.

The Jeltz Foundation awards scholarships each spring and fall term to Oklahoma students. Hall is one of seven recipients for the spring semester, and she expressed gratitude to the foundation for her selection. She is considering pursuit of a master's degree after she graduates in 2014, and hopes to one day work in adoptions or medicine.

"I think I would most like to go into adoptions," she said. "Initially, I was interested in the home study part of the adoption process checking homes and making sure they are fit for children. But after doing further research, I think I would like to help people find families."

A transfer student from Tulsa Community College, Hall anticipates straight A's in all her spring 2013 courses. She entered NSU in fall 2012 and is a resident of the Tahlequah campus.

"Living on campus has taken some adjustment," she said. "Some of your neighbors like to stay out late. It is a different environment, but sustainable and enjoyable. But when I am not there, I live at the library!"

Though he has delivered dozens of Jeltz scholarships, Mosley said he is always excited to meet the next recipient.

"In all my time as a Jeltz Scholarship Foundation trustee, I have not met a single student with whom Wyatt and Mattie Jeltz would not have been thrilled," Mosley said. "We rely on their applications when making our decisions, but I am always thoroughly impressed when I finally get to meet them."

The late Wyatt and Mattie Jeltz were African-American Oklahomans who dedicated their lives to education, employment opportunities and community service. The Jeltz Scholarship Foundation was endowed through assets they willed.

Jeltz scholarships provide assistance to minority students to pay for education expenses including tuition, fees and books. Recipients must be enrolled full time at a public Oklahoma institution, have accumulated at least 30 credit hours with a minimum 2.8 cumulative grade-point average, possess "good personal character" and demonstrate financial need.