Teacher Education Program established at Murray State University

Murray State University has a new teacher education program thanks to the continued support of the Badgett family. The Badgett Family Teacher Education Program will assist aspiring teachers by helping to eliminate financial barriers that stand in the way of them pursuing their chosen profession. 

According to an article on Murray State University’s website, Rhea Badgett Ashby, who is the vice president of the J. Rogers Badgett Sr. Foundation, was quoted as saying of the family’s support of the university’s education students, "Our family chose to make this commitment at this time because it is our continued belief that the impact of educators goes far beyond the classroom. We are very grateful to Murray State University and the College of Education and Human Services for providing amazing resources to our communities. We are happy to partner with each other in this way." 

The Badgett Family Teacher Education Program includes new scholarship opportunities for students pursuing teaching, including covering the cost of the required background checks, the expenses that come along with being a student teacher, and PRAXIS exams.

In total, over the many years of its support at Murray State University, the Badgett family has established four scholarships: the Rogers Badgett Sr. Undergraduate Education Scholarship, the Rogers Badgett Sr. Graduate Education Scholarship, the Badgett Family Professional Development School Fellowship, and the Rogers Badgett Sr. Student Assistance Fund, which is the newest addition which was established with the family’s most recent gift.

The family has also created several endowed professorships in order to bolster the quality of teacher education Murray State University can offer to students, which is beneficial to the state of Kentucky, as the school cites 74% of teachers in the 18 counties that make up western Kentucky graduated from Murray State University. The endowed professorships established by the Badgetts include the the Badgett Family Endowed Professorship in Adolescent, Career and Special Education, the Badgett Family Endowed Professorship in Early Childhood and Elementary Education, the Badgett Family Endowed Professorship for the Madisonville Educational Coordinator (2+2 Program), and the Badgett Family Student Fellowship.

Speaking of the financial impact the Badgetts have had upon Murray State University, Dr. David Whaley, who is the university’s dean of the College of Education and Human Services, was quoted as saying, "The Badgett family has always prioritized the highest quality of education, which, through their generous donations, ensures the highest levels of preparation for teacher candidates. We, and our students, benefit greatly from the opportunities provided through the Badgett generosity.”

For more information about Murray State University, visit the school’s website.