The Morehead-Cain Scholarship (originally the Morehead Scholarship) was the first merit scholarship program established in the United States. It was founded at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1951 and was named for its benefactors, John Motley Morehead III and the Gordon and Mary Cain Foundation. The Morehead-Cain is among the most prestigious undergraduate educational opportunities worldwide, with only 3 percent of candidates gaining admission each year.
In addition to covering all expenses for four years of undergraduate education at UNC, the scholarship also includes fully funded summer enrichment activities and funding for independent research, internships, and international study. Mary Cain, who donated $100 million to the program in 2007, called it "the gold standard in undergraduate educational opportunities."
History
In 1945 businessman, industrial scientist, and philanthropist John Motley Morehead III bequeathed $130 million to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC) to create the John Motley Morehead Foundation and the university's planetarium. The Morehead Foundation created the Morehead Scholarship Program in 1951. This was the first non-athletic merit scholarship program in the United States. This undergraduate scholarship covers all expenses for four years of study at UNC. Morehead-Cain scholars can also access " a network of peers and mentors, challenging internships and summer experiences, and an opportunity to travel the world." The scholarship was designed to attract "gifted student leaders" from across the United States to the university.
The Morehead Scholarship's first director was Robert Fetzer, a former UNC track coach and athletic director. In 1958, he was replaced by Roy Armstrong, former director of admissions at the university. In 1972, Mebane M. Pritchett, a Morehead alumnus, became the executive director and served until 1987. Charles E. Lovelace Jr., another Morehead alumnus, was the next president. The current president is Chris Bradford.
Originally just for students from North Carolina, the program expanded to include students from across the United States in 1954. In 1968, the first Morehead scholar from Great Britain was selected, followed by the inclusion of women in 1974. The program now includes students from Canada and various other countries. In 2022, the incoming freshman class of Morehead-Cain scholars includes 75 students—41 scholars from North Carolina, 34 from other states, and ten international scholars from Canada, India, South Sudan, the United Kingdom, and Vietnam.
The foundation and scholarship were both renamed Morehead-Cain in 2007 after the Gordon and Mary Cain Foundation contributed $100 million to expand the program. Mary Cain gave this gift in honor of her husband Gordan, who was a major stockholder in Union Carbide and helped found Texas Petrochemicals. Before her gift, the Morehead Foundation had $115 million.
Selection Process
The Morehead-Cain looks for "leaders with an ability to influence, energize, and inspire others to make an impact." Each student embodies four key pillars: leadership, moral force of character, scholarship, and physical vigor.
The Morehead-Cain Scholarship is extended by invitation only. To be considered, students must first be nominated as the most accomplished student at their respective school or program. In the case of exceptional out-of-state applicants who do not attend a nominating institution, the UNC Office of Undergraduate Admissions will bring them to the attention of Morehead-Cain through the Admissions Referral Program. These select few candidates are then invited to apply directly for the Morehead-Cain Scholarship.
Annually, there are around 2,000 nominees with several rounds of interviews and activities to determine final selection. Around 50 to 75 scholarships are offered each year, with about 200 Morehead scholars on campus at any one time.
Scholar Experience
[[File:Morehead Planetarium (42522250).jpeg|thumb|Adjacent to the Morehead-Cain Planetarium on Franklin Street, Morehead-Cain Scholars have access to lounge and study areas, a computer and printing room, a kitchenette, meeting space, and more. <ref></ref>] The Morehead-Cain Scholarship program offers a variety of opportunities for its scholars to engage in global experiences, including funding for gap year programs and study abroad programs that are not covered by UNC.