Phi Kappa Phi’s Love of Learning Awards are designed to help fund post-baccalaureate professional development for active Phi Kappa Phi members, including graduate or professional studies, doctoral dissertations, continuing education, travel related to teaching and research, career development and more.

For members like Aaron Ragsdale, a music professor at South Dakota State University, the award can help them reach a goal along their journey. As a 2021 Love of Learning Award recipient, Ragsdale used the funds to continue his professional development by attending an international percussion conference — one of the largest gatherings of percussion educators, performers and professionals devoted to furthering the percussive arts and education.

As an educator, Ragsdale says his professional goals lie “largely in inspiring my students to be lifelong learners in their field and preparing them to pass on the enthusiasm they bring to their chosen field of study on to their subsequent students.”

Established in 2007, the Love of Learning Program gives 200 awards of $500 each annually in support of members. The selection process for a Love of Learning Award is based on the applicant’s academic achievement, campus and community service, intended use of award funds as it relates to academic and career goals and a personal statement.

Ragsdale was initiated in 2016 at SDSU. “The Love of Learning Award program has allowed me to continue my professional development across venues that might otherwise fall outside the scope of support from my institution,” said Ragsdale. “The best part of Phi Kappa Phi is its continued commitment to supporting its community of leaders and learners.”

The deadline to apply is June 30. To learn more about the award and see full eligibility requirements, click here.

Questions? Email Kelli Partin, awards manager, at kpartin@phikappaphi.org.