The scholarship was established by alumnus Terry Cox and his wife, Valen, to honor Valen as a military spouse who earned her degree over the course of 40 years.
Austin Peay State University has a new scholarship available for students who are the spouses of military members, the Valen A. Cox Scholarship Endowment. The scholarship was established by alumnus Terry Cox and his wife, Valen, in honor of Valen’s determination as she worked toward a degree over the course of 40 years while Terry served in the military.
According to an article on Austin Peay State University’s website, Kris Phillips, who serves as the vice president for Alumni, Engagement and Philanthropy at the university, was quoted as saying of the endowment, "The Cox family's commitment to supporting military-connected students is meaningful because it reflects their lived experience. This is a full-circle moment—Terry and Valen met at Fort Campbell, built their lives together through military service, and now they're ensuring other military spouses have educational opportunities. When alumni give back in such a personal way, it strengthens not just our university but the entire military community we're privileged to serve."
The couple met at Fort Campbell after Terry graduated from Austin Peay State University with his teaching degree in 1977. After marrying, they both attended the university, with Terry pursuing a graduate degree and Valen working toward her bachelor degree. Once they began relocating for military duties, Valen started at five different universities, all in pursuit of the degree she started at Austin Peay State University. After 40 years, she earned her degree in education.
Valen said, "We wanted to create an opportunity for military families who often face unique challenges in pursuing higher education. Military spouses frequently relocate, which can interrupt their education while they support their soldier's service. This scholarship is our way of honoring their commitment and helping them continue investing in their own futures, no matter how long it takes. Don't quit. It took me 40 years to complete the degree I started at Austin Peay. If this scholarship helps you on your way, we are so happy to support you. You can do it, too."
The Valen A. Cox Scholarship Endowment will be awarded for the first time in the Fall 2027 semester. The scholarship is available to full-time and part-time students who maintain a 3.0 GPA. First preference for the award is for military spouses of U.S. Army active-duty soldiers and second preference is for the dependents of U.S. Army active-duty soldiers.
Terry said, "APSU took a hometown boy and put him out into the world. I'm proud to call it my alma mater—it's the foundation of everything that came after. We're in a place and time in life where we want to give back, and to be able to support military-affiliated students at my alma mater means everything."
For more information about Austin Peay State University, visit the school’s website.