Dr. Nancy Foster Scholarship Program

History On June 27, 2000, Dr. Nancy Foster, the former Assistant Administrator for Oceanic Services and Coastal Zone Management at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and Director of the National Ocean Service (NOS), died at her home in Baltimore, Maryland after a year-long battle with cancer. Her early understanding of marine ecosystems and their conservation, and the need to consider the interdependent roles of organisms in marine ecosystems, set her apart as a pioneer and visionary. This perspective laid the foundation for her 23-year tenure with NOAA, and brought a quality and strength to the agency unequaled in its history. Throughout her career, Dr. Foster was well respected as a personal supporter of mentoring, a champion of diversity, and an advocate of fair and equal treatment of all people in the workplace. She personally touched the lives of hundreds of employees because she understood the strength and vision that could be awakened in others by believing in and recognizing their unique talents and contributions. She regularly reached out to institutions that historically served minority students, making it a personal goal to open doors and create linkages. In an April 2000 letter to Dr. Foster, Vice President Al Gore wrote, "You have pioneered an impressive national strategy for environmental management and served as an outstanding role model for women scientists across America." In 2000, and within months of her death, the Dr. Nancy Foster Scholarship Program was introduced in Congress and signed into law on November 13, 2000. A tribute to her life's work and passion, this program was introduced by Senator Hollings (D-SC) with co-sponsors Snowe (R-ME), Kerry (D-MA), Stevens (R-AK), Inouye (D-HI), Breaux (D-LA), and Cleland (D-GA). The program was introduced by Representative Saxton (R-NJ-3) with Representative Farr (DCA-17) as the co-sponsor in the House. This scholarship is named for Dr. Foster in tribute to her outstanding contributions in advancing NOAA's mission through her excellence leadership, mentorship and her life long passion for marine science. The Nancy Foster Scholarship Program provides support for independent graduate-level studies in oceanography, marine biology, or maritime archaeology (including all science, engineering, social science and resource management of ocean and coastal areas), particularly to women and minorities. This program is administered through the NOAA Office of National Marine Sanctuaries as mandated by the National Marine Sanctuaries Act.