During the 1980-81 academic year, the Board of Managers of the University of Virginia Alumni Association began the process of selecting the first Jefferson Scholars.

The Jefferson Scholarship competition grew out of the Board’s desire to put in place a tangible program that would reflect the educational ideals of Thomas Jefferson. The first Jefferson Scholars –thirteen in number-- matriculated in the fall of 1981, and were graduated in 1985.

In later years the Jefferson Scholars Foundation was formed as an adjunct to the Alumni Association. Development efforts intensified, with an eye towards growing the number and geographic scope of Jefferson Scholars. Over time, the regional competitions increased from a handful to the 50 currently in place. The number of nominees grew from a few dozen to over 900 annually, and volunteer committee participation grew to approximately 700 U.Va. alumni who take part annually in the nomination and selection process.

A milestone was reached in 1991, when Brad Ronnell Braxton became the first Jefferson Scholar to earn the prestigious Rhodes Scholarship. Three additional Jefferson Scholars have since earned the Rhodes. 1992 marked the graduation of Jefferson Scholar number 100; with the growth of the program, the 400th Jefferson Scholar was graduated in 2005. Jefferson Scholar Glynn Key ’86 was named to the University’s Board of Visitors in 2004.

Funding

In its earliest years, the Jefferson Scholars competition was managed by the Alumni Association, with numerous U.Va. Clubs involved in funding efforts for scholarships to benefit local Jefferson Scholarship winners.

By the mid-1980s, private support from alumni and friends of the University had become the backbone of funding efforts. Gifts from thousands of individuals, along with dozens of corporations and foundations, have helped the Foundation fulfill its mission.

The Foundation’s endowment has grown to over $207 million. Endowment growth allows the Foundation to keep pace with increases in tuition and fees, offer enhanced programmatic opportunities, and offer Scholarships and Fellowships to more qualified nominees from a wider geographic and academic spectrum.

For the 2007-08 academic year, the in-state stipend for Jefferson Scholars is $18,875. The out-of-state stipend is $38,125. The stipend covers the full cost of attending the University. The stipend for Jefferson Graduate Fellows is $30,000.

The Foundation holds to a spend rate of approximately five percent of endowment. Development efforts account for 10% of the Foundation’s expenditures, a percentage that is favorable in comparison to similar non-profit entities.