Addison E. Slayton Jr. Scholarship

Awarded by VIRGINIA EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION

The Virginia Emergency Management Association is a non-profit statewide organization. Its membership is composed of an extensive network of professionals from diverse backgrounds in emergency management, including state, federal and local officials, businesses and industry, and academia with the common goal of improving emergency management in Virginia.

The Executive Board, recognizing the importance of education in promoting emergency management, established the “Addison E. Slayton, Jr. Scholarship”, administered by the Scholarship Committee.

Recognized for his significant contributions to the Commonwealth of Virginia, LTC Slayton was a graduate of the Virginia Commonwealth University with a BS degree in Social Sciences.  He is a graduate of the Virginia Executive Development Institute, United States Army Military Police Basic and Advanced Course, Army Command and General Staff College and Army Inspector General School. Mr. Slayton served in a variety of positions in the Commonwealth of Virginia throughout his career to include:

  • Warden of the Virginia State Penitentiary (1956-1974)
  • Associate Director, Division of Corrections (1956-1974)
  • Virginia Department of Emergency Services (1974)
  • Appointed Director and State Coordinator in (1985)
  • Reappointed State Coordinator in (1986, 1990, 1994)

 Some of his accomplishments include:

  • Establishing the Virginia Hazardous Materials Emergency Response Program
  • Established the current environmental remediation program for the Commonwealth of Virginia Emergency Fuel Storage Facility at the Cheatham Annex
  • Directed the development of the Virginia Oil and Hazardous Materials Emergency Response Plan
  • Managed the states’ emergency response and follow-on relief efforts to four presidentially declared disasters

Mr. Slayton also served on and chaired a variety of statewide committees. Mr. Slayton has made significant contributions to the Commonwealth of Virginia in the field of emergency management and for his public service, support of education and commitment to our residents; we dedicate the scholarship program in honor of Mr. Addison Slayton Jr.

The mission of the program is to raise money through VEMA sponsored activities, outside donations, and through academic partnerships to fund at least one college student scholarship each year to an individual(s) pursuing a career in emergency management. The committee shall provide guidance and recommendations to the Board of Directors on the selection process and the dissemination of funding.  The scholarship winners are announced at the annual conference held each year.

Scholarship funds will be given directly to the student.  Scholarship funds must be spent in the following ways to support your academic career:

  • Financial aid/debt reimbursement
  • Direct payment for courses
  • Course books/other academic related materials
  • Private tutoring related to the emergency management coursework

Completed applications must be received by the VEMA Scholarship Committee no later than close of business on January 31, 2025.

Click Here for Selection Criteria

Applications must be sent via email to [email protected].

Student shall submit the following materials in the following order, as one scanned document: 

a)    A completed VEMA Addison E. Slayton, Jr. Scholarship Application Form
b)    What is an emergency management (or related field) topic or issue that interests you, and how do you plan on making a positive impact on it during your studies and career?
        - The Scholarship Committee is looking for concise and descriptive answers to the questions. The essay should not exceed 500 words. 
        - Use 12-point type and one-inch/2.5-centimeter margins. The text should be double-spaced. This format is approximately 300 words per 8.5” x 11” or A4 page.
c)    Two letters of recommendation/reference. Letters must be submitted on an official letterhead and clearly explain the relationship to the applicant. One letter must come from a current professor or academic supervisor. Applicants are encouraged to seek letters from community leaders, representatives, or employers from related work or volunteer activities.
d)    Current resume.
e)    Official transcripts for all college credit completed.
f)     Proof of current enrollment.
g)    Optional: copies of related certificates and awards
h)    Optional: statement of financial need, including a description of how the applicant is funding his/her education.