| Events
At Trevecca, we value hard work, academic excellence and leadership. That’s why one of the highlights of the spring season on our campus is hosting McClurkan Scholarship Day, a key moment for high-achieving students. McClurkan Day is an invitation-only event where top students compete for the J.O. McClurkan Scholarship—Trevecca’s most prestigious full-tuition award for incoming freshmen.
Named for Trevecca’s founder, the McClurkan Scholarship is a recognition of exceptional academic success, leadership abilities and a heart for service. Each year, the selection process for the scholarship culminates in McClurkan Day–an event that brings together some of the brightest students in the region (and throughout the country) to experience life at Trevecca while interacting with faculty, staff and fellow scholars.
The History of McClurkan Day
The McClurkan Scholarship honors the legacy of Trevecca’s founder and first president, Reverend J.O. McClurkan. He founded Trevecca in 1901 with a mission to train men and women for ministry. A man of deep faith, McClurkan dedicated his life to serving others, and this scholarship continues that tradition by recognizing students who demonstrate a strong commitment to academic success, service and leadership.
McClurkan’s vision for Trevecca was rooted in compassion and service. He founded Trevecca Hospital and the Pentecostal Home for Girls, organizations dedicated to improving the lives of those in need. McClurkan’s obituary described him as a man who “eagerly accepted every opportunity to stoop down and assist his weaker brother or sister.” The McClurkan Scholarship and McClurkan Day celebrate his spirit of service and leadership.
What Happens on McClurkan Day?
On McClurkan Day, a select group of students are invited to Trevecca’s campus to tour the university, meet one-on-one with professors and take part in interviews with administrators and faculty. It’s a VIP day that gives prospective students a firsthand look at what makes Trevecca special. Besides serving as an evaluation in the scholarship process, the event is designed to connect students with the heart of Trevecca—our professors and community.
McKenna Smith, a former McClurkan Scholarship recipient, reflected on her experience at McClurkan Day and the impact it had on her. “The day is filled with so many emotions,” she said. “There is the excitement for the day ahead, a feeling of hope and joy for the future, but also a weariness as the reality of college begins to set in. Meeting other scholars and future professors made it real; I was no longer the senior in high school, but a future college student beginning to see a future of more.”
What Does It Mean to Be a McClurkan Scholar?
McClurkan scholars are part of an exclusive group of students who are recognized for their excellence in academics, leadership and community service. Being selected to compete for this scholarship carries a great sense of responsibility, and it often motivates scholars to take on leadership roles both in and out of the classroom. For Smith, the experience helped shape her academic journey at Trevecca.
“The beauty of being at McClurkan Day is the fact that it is entirely based on who YOU are as a person,” she said. “At this point, your hard work has paid off and you have made it to Trevecca—all that’s left is to make connections.”
McClurkan Day provides a platform for students to get to know professors, staff and their peers in a meaningful way. Smith emphasized that it was a pivotal moment for her.
“Meeting with professors one-on-one allowed me to see the genuinely compassionate nature of this school. The willingness of professors and faculty to completely pour themselves into every aspect of who I was becoming was already apparent on McClurkan Day.”
How to Apply for the McClurkan Scholarship
If you’re an incoming freshman who has demonstrated strong academic performance, leadership and a passion for service, the McClurkan Scholarship could be the perfect opportunity for you. To apply, students must have a minimum ACT score of 28 (or SAT score of 1300+) and an unweighted GPA of 3.5 or higher. The deadline to apply for fall 2025 is February 21.
Students selected to compete for the McClurkan Scholarship will be invited to McClurkan Day on March 7, where they will have the chance to compete for the full-tuition scholarship.
Why Should You Apply?
Smith provided some advice for prospective students considering applying for the McClurkan Scholarship.
“If I could pass along what I wish I had known for McClurkan Day, it would be this: Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there and just try something new, to lean into the uncertainty and trust that this process is a chance for you to discover what’s truly right for you! The college search and college in general is a time of discovery, and every experience, conversation and challenge will shape you in ways you may not fully understand.”
McClurkan Scholarship Day is often the first of many opportunities a student has to experience Trevecca’s support for the next generation of scholars, leaders and servants.
You can learn more about the scholarship and submit an application at trevecca.edu/the-j.o.-mcclurkan-scholarship.