The new memorial endowments will provide scholarships for students in the Eriksson College of Education and students who are criminal justice majors.
Recently, two new memorial endowments have been established at Austin Peay State University, which will benefit students who are studying education or criminal justice. The two funds, the Jerome P. Ellis Memorial Education Endowed Scholarship and the Tommy Hatcher Memorial Scholarship Endowment, were established to honor the lives and legacies of their namesakes.
According to an article on Austin Peay State University’s website about the Jerome P. Ellis Memorial Education Endowed Scholarship, the endowment was established by The Ellis Family Foundation of Tennessee and Tim and Dena Ellis. Tim’s father, Jerome P. Ellis, was a two-time Austin Peay State University alumnus and a 37-year employee of the Robertson County School System.
Speaking of his decision to help establish the endowment, Tim said, “The Jerome P. Ellis Memorial Endowment Scholarship carries on my dad’s legacy as a lifelong leader in education administration. He would be proud to know that this fund is honoring him by supporting the next generation of educators as they pursue their degrees.”
In order to qualify for the Jerome P. Ellis Memorial Education Endowed Scholarship, students must be enrolled full-time in the Eriksson College of Education and must have a grade point average of at least 3.0.
Kris Phillips, who serves as the university’s Vice President for Alumni, Engagement, and Philanthropy, said of the new scholarship fund, “The dedication of educators is truly vital for student success. We're excited that this scholarship not only enables others to pursue careers in education but also pays tribute to one such educator. It is a great representation of the Govs For Life Experience.”
In a separate article on Austin Peay State University’s website discussing the Tommy Hatcher Memorial Scholarship Endowment, Phillips noted, “Memorial scholarships like the Tommy Hatcher Memorial Scholarship Endowment create a lasting legacy that transforms the lives of students for generations to come.”
The Tommy Hatcher Memorial Scholarship Endowment was established via donation from alumna and retired APSU employee Jana Fort Hatcher, who, through her gift, has converted the previously-established Tommy Hatcher Law Enforcement Scholarship into a permanent endowment that will benefit students for years to come.
Jana Hatcher said, "Tommy dedicated his life to law enforcement and believed deeply in creating pathways for others to follow in his footsteps. Establishing this endowment ensures his legacy continues through students who share his passion for public service and commitment to keeping our communities safe."
In order to be eligible for this scholarship, students must be full-time criminal justice majors and maintain a 2.75 GPA.
Phillips said, “Through Jana’s thoughtful gift, Tommy’s memory will live on through the achievements of countless criminal justice students.”
For more information about Austin Peay State University, visit the school’s website.