The purpose of the Jackson Scholar Program is to assist students who display leadership potential in receiving a sound background in ethics, so that they may serve as outstanding representatives of The Jackson Family Center for Ethics and Values and Coastal Carolina University.  The Jackson Scholars are accepted into the program through a process that includes a written application and personal interviews with the program staff and the Jackson Center Board of Directors.  The Jackson Scholar Program is open to students from all backgrounds and fields of study. 

In an intensive and varied two-year program, the Jackson Scholars engage in a four-semester ethical leadership curriculum of instruction, reading and discussion, problem solving and mentoring, as outlined below:

- First Semester - Introduction to Ethics (Phil 102)

- Second Semester - Choice of applied ethics course: Contemporary Moral Issues (Phil 305), Bio-Medical Ethics (Phil 317), Business Ethics (Phil 318) or Environmental Ethics (Phil 319)

-Third Semester - Ethical Theory (Phil 311)

- Fourth Semester - Philosophy 399: An ethics-focused internship in the local or regional community and/or a group service learning project designed by the Jackson Scholars, presented to a community organization, and implemented by the Scholars working in concert.

      In addition, the Jackson Scholars are required to engage in the following activities as the public representatives of the Jackson Family Center for Ethics and Values:

- Attend all Jackson Family Center events, on-campus and within surrounding communities.

- Assist with the Jackson Junior Scholars Academy.

- Report to the Jackson Center's Board of Directors in regards to their progress in the Jackson Scholar program, including a presentation of the community service projects completed in the Jackson Scholars' independent study.

      Currently, the Jackson Scholar Program accepts five scholars every two years. Each Jackson Scholar receives $1,000 annually to defray personal costs associated with the program and to recognize the value of a strong ethical grounding. Graduating Jackson Scholars receive a certificate of appreciation and an honors stole, and are recognized at the University Honors Convocation and in the program for the Commencement Ceremony.  Applications for the 2010-2012 class of Jackson Scholars, are due no later than November 2, 2009.

The 2008-2010 Jackson Scholars

From left to right: Sarah Heishman, Tarrah Casey, Perry Helton and Sonila Merkouris