The Robert and Avis McDaniel/Southern Illinois University Chapter will award its scholarship to a member of PDK enrolled at the master's or doctoral level in the College of Education at Southern Illinois University who is recognized for excellent academic credentials and demonstrated leadership ability in education. The account was established with PDK in 1991 with a challenge grant from Dr. and Mrs. McDaniel and matched by the members of the Southern Illinois University Chapter in Carbondale, Illinois.

Recipients are selected by a committee of the Southern Illinois University Chapter.