Dean and Sharon Chenoweth Agriculture Scholarship

This agriculture scholarship was established to recognize Dean and Sharon Chenoweth’s belief in the value of education and their long-term commitment to WIU. Since the late 1960s the Chenoweths have hired WIU agriculture students to work on their grain and livestock family farm near Macomb.

When Dean was 15, Harry Clugston taught him to fly. Later, he earned his pilot’s license and became a member of the Air National Guard and a member of the Civil Air Patrol on search and rescue for downed aircraft.

In 1952 at the age of 17, Dean started farming full time after his father suffered a heart attack. While his father lived for many years after the heart attack, that incident launched Dean’s agriculture career.

Sharon, grew up on a grain and livestock farm near Princeville, IL, and attended the University of Illinois-Urbana Champaign for one year, and then worked for the Chevy Zone Office in Peoria. Dean and Sharon met at a Rural Youth meeting in Galesburg. After they were married, Sharon worked at WIU for Dean of Public Services Dr. Carlson Crane and Provost Dr. Earl Foreman. She was also a proofreader for Dr. Spencer Brown in the WIU Journal of Developing Areas.

Dean and Sharon have been involved in various agricultural organizations in McDonough County including the Farm Credit Board, the Farm Bureau Board, 4H, the FS Board, the McDonough County Board, and the Pork Producers. Dean also served as the Chalmers Township supervisor for many years.

Sharon writes a bi-weekly agriculture column for the McDonough Voice and previously wrote for McDonough County Farm Bureau News.

They believe in the value of hard work and life-long learning. One of their favorite quotes is by Edgar A. Guest: “It is impossible not to take an interest in others. Once they have crossed our paths, they become a part of our lives.”

This scholarship was established by their daughters, Julie Chenoweth Terstriep ‘88 ’13 and Cathy Chenoweth Onion ’85 ’90, both employees of WIU. Their families also live on local farms and hire WIU students.

CRITERIA:
Applicant must be enrolled in a major within the School of Agriculture, have a minimum college GPA of 2.75, and entering his/her sophomore, junior, or senior year. Preference will be given to students who are involved in Agriculture activities, clubs and student organizations, and who have work experience.

Applicants must also submit the following:
Essay (no more thatn two pages) that answers the following quetions:
Why are you pursuing a degree in agriculture?
Who made a difference in your life and how?
Resume
Letter of reference