Criteria

The purpose of this support is to provide students in the Scott College of Business additional learning experiences and professional development through events such as corporate conferences, business competitions, membership into university and national business organizations, and resources dedicated to help students prepare, polish and become career ready. The students receiving the awards will be named “Alley Fellows.”

Recipients will be determined based on the established criteria. Alley Fellowships will support project requests up to $1,500 per student. Proposals for awards outside of this range will not be considered. Eligibility criteria and conditions of the Alley Fellows are:

• Must be a full-time student in the Scott College of Business
• Must submit to the selection committee the following:
  • A description of the project, activity, or professional development to be supported by the fellowship, not to exceed 500 words. This essay should thoroughly describe the objectives and details of the proposed activity, indicating why it is significant or impactful for the applicant and why fellowship funding is essential to support the activity.
  • A detailed breakdown of the requested funding and how it will be used in accomplishing the project objectives.
  • A summary of the applicant’s education, community/campus involvement, and applicable experience.
  • Two letters of recommendation from an academic or professional reference describing the candidate’s potential and qualification to carry out the objectives of the fellowship proposal.

This funding is available on an annual basis and is not automatically renewable, however, eligible students may apply each academic year.

Supplemental Questions

• Please provide a description of the project, activity, or professional development to be supported by the fellowship, not to exceed 500 words. This essay should thoroughly describe the objectives and details of the proposed activity, indicating why it is significant or impactful for the applicant and why fellowship funding is essential to support the activity.
• Please provide a detailed breakdown of the requested funding and how it will be used in accomplishing the project objectives.
• List any memberships or leadership experience / activity in professional organizations, student organizations, campus activities, community or departmental service.
• Please provide the names and email addresses of two individuals, academic or professional, who can describe your potential and qualification for the Michael and Amy Alley Student Professional Development Fellows. These references can be from anyone familiar with your leadership successes and accomplishments, including high school teachers, guidance counselors, or employers. Recommendations from family members will not be accepted. MAKE SURE to ask your reference if they can write a letter for you ahead of time and tell them that they will receive an email from us requesting it. Also tell them what the scholarship application deadline is.

For more information please contact Michelle Reeson, Meis Center Director - 812-237-4580

Donor Profile

A $250,000 gift to Indiana State University from alumni Mike and Amy Alley in February, 2021, created the Linda Eldred Student Leadership Center and the Michael and Amy Alley Student Professional Development Fellows Program.

The Leadership Center, housed in the Hulman Memorial Student Union within the Office of Campus Life, will support programs for students on leadership development, inclusion, personal and professional growth, and community service. The Leadership Center celebrates Linda Eldred for her leadership and dedication to campus activities and programs during 40 years at ISU. Eldred was advisor to ISU’s Union Board and introduced the Alleys when they were students.

The Professional Development Fellows Program creates an endowment for professional development opportunities for students in the Scott College of Business.

Mike Alley earned his bachelor’s degree magna cum laude in accounting in 1978. Amy Alley graduated the same year from the Bayh College of Education. Mike spent more than three decades in the banking industry, including serving as President and CEO of Fifth Third Bank, Central Indiana. He founded Patriot Investments in 2002, through which he maintains investment interest in multiple early-stage companies and advisory services. He currently serves on the Indiana Commission for Higher Education and several corporate and non-profit boards. Alley also served as Commissioner of the Indiana Department of Revenue from 2012-15.

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Past Recipients