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Student Scholarship Award Recipients 2020/21

MSP is committed to contributing annually to assist in student scholarships and aid. Scholarship and financial assistance funding is supported by gifts from alumni, family, and friends. Generally, funds are disbursed in the form of tuition credit.

This academic year we are pleased to announce the following recipients. The Cereta Perry Scholarship (CPS) was awarded to Courtney Cabell (MA) and Bettie Williams (PsyD 1). Sierra Gillis (PsyD 2) was awarded the Jill Benton Humanistic Psychology Scholarship (JBHPS). The honorees have written acceptance statements for their scholarship awards.

The Cereta Perry Scholarship (CPS)

The Cereta Perry Scholarship honors the late Cereta Perry, PhD, co-founder of CHS/MSP, and her contributions to diversity in education. Dr. Perry was a lifelong advocate of MSP and its mission. This scholarship was established to recruit and support the academic goals of diverse incoming Master of Arts (MA) and Doctor of Clinical Psychology (PsyD) students.

Photo of Courtney Cabell
Courtney Cabell (MA)

“It has been an absolute honor to receive the Cereta Perry Scholarship. Receiving this award has been both monetary relief and a privilege as black woman who is part of a population traditionally underrepresented in the field of psychology. I am proud to be a representative of the Michigan School of Psychology and proud to honor the legacy of Dr. Perry. Dr. Perry’s missions and values to advocate for diversity and inclusion aligned with and stood true to what I believe in, and I couldn’t be more thankful for MSP’s culture and continuous support.

It has been a long standing passion of mine to advocate for the underprivileged and those who cannot advocate for themselves, and my education from MSP along with the Cereta Perry Scholarship is affording me the opportunity to do just that. I am eternally grateful.”

Photo of Bettie Williams
Bettie Williams, LPC, TLLP, CCTP (PsyD 1)

“I am truly honored and humbled to be a recipient of the Cereta Perry Scholarship. MSP has truly been a blessing in my life. The professors and staff have always been very warm, genuine, and welcoming. MSP represents in the field of psychology the true meaning of diversity. I’m so proud to be a part of this amazing community. MSP has undoubtedly stretched and will continue to stretch my knowledge, compassion, and understanding of human behavior. MSP is certainly carving a pathway towards continued success in my personal life and my career.  

In the spirit of the Cereta Perry scholarship, I hope to always work towards helping and assisting others who are underrepresented in the community in which I serve. My dreams and aspirations are to serve in different parts of the world where natural disasters have devastated communities.  I hope to be one of the beacons of light that works alongside the first responders to instill hope as well as help mend those with a broken spirit.  
 
Again, I’m truly grateful for this award!”

Jill Benton Humanistic Psychology Scholarship (JBHPS)

This scholarship honors Jill Benton, former MSP librarian and alum, and her commitment to humanistic psychology. The JBHPS supports a PsyD student who is committed to advancing the science and practice of humanistic psychology as demonstrated by excellence in scholarship.

Photo of Sierra Gillis
Sierra Gillis, MA, TLLP-D (PsyD 2)

“I am honored to be this year’s recipient of the Jill Benton Humanistic Psychology Scholarship. This award is representative of my commitment to advancing the science and practice of humanistic psychology. As an identified humanistic therapist, I aspire to help others recognize their ability to discover their individualistic needs, as well as provide them a welcoming space, which includes authenticity, unconditional positive regard, and empathetic understanding. 

As I continue to learn and grow as a therapist and as a person, I look forward to continuing my professional and personal development and embodiment of these three tenants. Thank you to all involved who gave me the opportunity to be the recipient of the Jill Benton Humanistic Psychology.”