The Joseph R. and Sarah L. Williams Scholarship, named for MSU's inaugural president and first lady, is designed to do more than remove financial barriers to a college education. It gives exceptional students the freedom to make the most of their time at Michigan State University.
The scholarship provides full support for tuition, fees, food and housing, along with a $7,500 annual stipend dedicated to experiential learning opportunities. That additional support allows students to pursue experiences that extend beyond the classroom, from research and hands-on projects to mentorship and community engagement.
With 81 scholars across its first two cohorts, the program is helping MSU attract talented students with the ambition to explore what's possible and the opportunity to put their ideas into action.
“The Williams Scholarship enables our university to empower this group of talented scholars to pursue excellence without limits.” - Kevin M. Guskiewicz, Ph.D. | President, Michigan State University
Potential in motion
The Williams Scholarship welcomed its first cohort of 30 scholars in fall 2025. Since then, students have put the opportunities afforded by the program to work in a variety of ways, pursuing interests and education that extend beyond the classroom.
Among them was Ava Crozier, who is now a sophomore studying business management and information science. For Ava, the scholarship has helped create opportunities to combine her interests in business, music and service. She founded Coffeeship Concerts in 2023, an initiative to spotlight Michigan musicians and raise money for youth and music therapy programs.
“It’s so important to contribute to something bigger than oneself,” said Ava. “I am genuinely grateful to be welcomed into a network of Spartans everywhere excited about giving back to education and our MSU community.”
Sophomore Tejas Agrawal is using his time at MSU to explore the possibilities of computer science and artificial intelligence. From hackathons and drone research to nonprofit consulting, being a Williams Scholar has given him the flexibility to pursue projects that turn his curiosity into practical applications. His long-term interests include developing AI models that could offer benefits for privacy and environmental sustainability.
“I think about how to use my time here well, knowing that someone has placed trust in me and has faith in my success,” he said. “I’m always looking for ways to prove myself and use my abilities to give back to a community that has given me so much.”
Read more about Tejas's story.
An investment in what's possible
Through the Williams Scholars program, philanthropic support helps Michigan State attract outstanding students and gives them the freedom to pursue bold ideas and make the most of their college experience. From meaningful research to hands-on learning and mentorship, these opportunities empower scholars to turn their ambitions into action. It's more than an investment in their education. It's an investment in the discoveries they'll make, the communities they'll strengthen and the future they'll help shape.
Learn more about the Williams Scholars program and how to support its future.
Invest in exceptional talent. Inspire extraordinary impact.