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Two incoming PSY students earn full merit scholarships

June 11, 2026

The original version of this article detailing all undergraduate winners can be found here. 

Two outstanding future MSU Department of Psychology students were recently awarded Michigan State University merit scholarships. Both were awarded the Joseph R. and Sarah L. Williams Scholarship:  

  • Anna Foote of Southfield Christian High School and Lathrup Village, Michigan. Foote plans to major in psychology. 
  • Milee Zarate-Bayani of Agoura High School and Agoura Hills, California. Zarate-Bayani plans to major in psychology.

A total of 51 incoming first-year students across nine colleges received scholarships. The scholarships are considered some of the most competitive awards in the nation. They cover full tuition, room and board, and a stipend for up to eight semesters of undergraduate study.

Each awardee also receives a spot in the MSU Honors College’s Professorial Assistantship program, which provides a two-year paid research placement with a faculty mentor. Anna Foote will also take part in the Social Science Scholars Program. 

“As professorial assistants through the Honors College, these 51 scholars will work alongside world-class faculty to address real-world problems through meaningful research,” said MSU Honors College Dean Glenn Chambers, Ph.D. “Empowered with a Spartan education, they will become leaders of discovery positioned to make a global impact.”

The Joseph R. and Sarah L. Williams Scholarship, named for MSU’s inaugural president and first lady, premiered in December 2024. Williams Scholars followed the same selection process as Alumni Distinguished Scholars: applying to MSU, submitting essays, taking a general knowledge exam, and interviewing with a faculty-staff committee.

The scholarship program is differentiated by an experiential learning opportunity, which awardees can propose and pursue with an additional $7,500 stipend.

“These students are extraordinary, not only because of what they have already achieved, but because of the energy, curiosity, and leadership they will bring to MSU. These scholarships help make it possible for them to join our campus community and make a meaningful impact across the university,” said MSU Interim Executive Director of Undergraduate Admissions Alexander Landen.

 

More information about merit scholarships for incoming first-year students is on the MSU Office of Admissions website. Contact MSU Honors College Assistant Dean Bess German, Ph.D., at germanr@msu.edu with questions.