Scholarships

Midwest Chapter WSF “Careers in Conservation” Scholarship 

2026 Recipient – Jonathan Phenix

Jonathan Phenix is a senior at Waconia High School in Waconia, MN. This fall Jonathan will attend South Dakota State University to pursue a master’s and doctorate in Fisheries and Wildlife Management with a minor in education. Jonathan’s high school extracurricular activities are admirable; the numerous academic and leadership awards, recognitions and honors reflect his passion and commitment to education and community. Jonathan’s high school involvements include: Basketball, Track, Youth Service Council, Strength & Conditioning, Jazz Band, Student Council, Conservation Club and the Unified Athletics Board. These involvements resulted in 4 years of continuous community service and support, including: Adopt-a-Highway Clean-up, Lake Waconia Clean-up (fall/winter), Yearly Youth Ice Fishing Event, Yearly Boundary Waters Restoration Projects, Forest Restoration Involvement, Waconia Youth Events, along with planning and support for other community activities and events.

“I hope to pass along my values and passion by pursuing a career in conservation research and development and/or teaching the principles of conservation at a collegiate or high school level,” Jonathan Phenix.

Midwest Chapter WSF “Careers in Conservation” Scholarship 

2025 Recipient – Jeff Tillery

Jeff Tillery is pursuing a M.S. in Wildlife and Fisheries Science (Wildlife Specialization) at South Dakota State University under Dr. William Severud. Jeff’s plan is to continue as a PhD student under his guidance after defending his thesis in  December. His research focuses on the implementation and results of an ongoing test and removal project on bighorn sheep in Badlands National Park and the Pine Ridge Reservation. 

In the short to medium term, his priority is to see this project through to completion— fulfilling the research objectives and conservation partner’s management objectives. This includes contributing to the scientific literature on Mycoplasma ovipneumoniae management, and subsequently working towards augmenting the herd in the future. 

While working towards his degree, Jeff served 2 years as President of the TWS Student Chapter, University of Minnesota. Focusing on professional development through field activities with professionals, fostering networking opportunities, organizing events and running bi-weekly meetings. He also was the 2024 recipient of the Charles R. Peterson Scholarship in Natural Resource Management from South Dakota State University. It is his view that hunting is the cornerstone of wildlife conservation that plays an essential role in funding, population management, and fostering a deep connection between people and the land. 

Scholarship Description

Careers in Conservation Scholarships are to be awarded to students in a field related to Midwest Chapter WSF’s missions and values. Preferably, degrees in wildlife management, wildlife biology, and wildlife pathology. Areas of education focused on wild sheep are desired, but not mandatory. Scholarship awards are based on scholastic proficiency, commitment to conservation of wildlife or natural resources, character, and service. Applicants must clearly demonstrate the ability and desire to contribute to North American wildlife conservation. 

• Scholarships are to be awarded to undergraduates or graduate students. 

• Awardee(s) will be awarded up to $2,000 scholarship to apply towards education expenses.

• Awardee(s) requirements:
  • Resident of the Midwest (unrestricted to enrolled university location) 
  • Attend Midwest Chapter WSF annual March banquet in Minnetonka, MN. 
  • Awardee(s) may be asked to speak during the annual March banquet.
  • College undergraduate or graduate student, currently enrolled in a four-year university.
• Awardee(s) must be a member of Midwest Chapter Wild Sheep Foundation (Can occur after scholarship is offered/$50 annual membership).
  • Application due by February 24th, 2025.

Please fill out the application or print the pdf and submit to
midwestwildsheep@gmail.com 

Applications can also be mailed to

Midwest Wild Sheep
PO Box 80
Chaska, MN 55318