J. Michael Dunn Sport and Wellness Scholars (DSWS)

The J. Michael Dunn Sport and Wellness Scholars (DSWS) Program is specifically designed to help students identify and expand upon personal interests in sport and wellness. The program provides students with opportunities to develop their leadership style, network with professionals in their respective fields, and form relationships with their peers and the greater Dunn Scholars community. By living together as a program freshman year, students form a close bond that carries throughout their time at Ohio State. With many events throughout the academic year, both professional and social in nature, students quickly identify ways to implement their interests into their undergraduate careers and beyond.

Program Name

J. Michael "Mike" Dunn served Ohio State Rec Sports for 15 years. Mike was a champion for students in all things he did. He gained broad support to build the RPAC and ARC to create extraordinary recreation opportunities for students, among providing more programming to meet the needs of students with disabilities.

Mike envisioned a program for students to become immersed in recreation and wellness programming. In 2009, the Sport & Wellness Scholars program, one of 17 scholars programs at Ohio State, came to fruition. 

Because of Mike’s passion for students and vision for the Sport & Wellness Scholars, it is only fitting that the program has been named in honor as the J. Michael Dunn Sport and Wellness Scholars, or the Dunn Scholars. His legacy will carry on through these students.  

How to apply

The Sport and Wellness Scholars Program is selective, and you must apply to be considered. Successful candidates share a number of qualifications including a solid academic record, strong communication skills and significant participation in extracurricular and community activities. They also value belonging and interaction with individuals from other cultures.

Only incoming freshman who begin at Ohio State during the autumn semester are eligible to apply for the program.

If you are interested, please contact the Scholars Coordinator, at SL-dunnscholars@osu.edu.

Donate to the J. Michael Dunn Fund