University of Evansville establishes James '79 and Kristin '81 Bailey Endowed Scholarship

The University of Evansville has a newly endowed scholarship that will support undergraduate students who are pursuing their education within the university’s College of Education and Health Sciences. The James '79 and Kristin '81 Bailey Endowed Scholarship was established via a $50,000 gift from Kristin Bailey as a tribute to her late husband’s memory and to the couple’s shared educational journey at the University of Evansville.

According to an article on the University of Evansville’s website, Dr. Andy Lampkins, who serves as the dean of the College of Education and Health Sciences, was quoted as saying of the new scholarship, "This gift from the Baileys will make a remarkable difference in the College of Education and Health Sciences. Their generosity strengthens our program's ability to expand opportunities for students to learn, lead, and serve. Their gift will prepare future professionals who will carry forward the compassion and dedication that have defined the Baileys' lives."

The James '79 and Kristin '81 Bailey Endowed Scholarship will be awarded to undergraduate College of Education and Health Sciences students, giving them the ability to pursue their passions in their future careers, just as the Baileys were able to do.

Kristin Bailey graduated from the university in 1981 with a degree in nursing, and she served as a registered nurse in community settings and in private practice. 

Speaking of her time in the university’s nursing program, Kristin said, "We were taught critical thinking skills and given a broad base of clinical understanding. Our instructors were fabulous, both in the classroom and in clinical settings. Over the years, I've compared what I received at Evansville to other programs I've encountered, and I continue to hold UE among the very best. There's such a need for advancement in education and health sciences. Our healthcare system is growing so quickly, and we need well-educated people to provide those services. I know that pursuing an education requires tremendous dedication and sacrifice, and I hope this scholarship can help open doors and create opportunities for students who are working toward their dreams."

Jim graduated from the university in 1979 with a Bachelor of Science in Business Management. He went on to earn a master’s degree from the University of Dallas and then settled into a life of service to others. He became a funeral director and participated in the Rotary Club, the Orak Shrine Center, and the Masonic Lodge.

Speaking of her late husband, Kristin shared, "Jim served our community in so many ways. He was very active in Rotary and the Shrine, and we both believed deeply in using our lives to serve others. I am confident he'd be thrilled to know that UE students will benefit from this scholarship."

She went on to describe their shared time at the university, and what their experiences there together meant to her. "UE has always been near and dear to our hearts. It's where we met. We served on several committees together, including student government and Union Board. We got to know each other through those experiences, and many of the friendships we made then have lasted to this day. Even back then, there was an underlying intention for service. We were taught that the world exists beyond our own little bubble and that we have a responsibility to make it better. That's always stayed with me."

For more information about the University of Evansville, visit the school’s website.