New scholarship established for Tennessee Technological University nursing students

A new scholarship has been established for Tennessee Technological University’s upper-division nursing students. Ronald R. Ledbetter graduated from Tennessee Tech in 1966 with a degree in biology, and now the alumnus has decided to start a scholarship to honor the legacy of his late wife, Marilyn P. Ledbetter, who passed away in July of 2024. Marilyn spent her life devoted to the community, and now Ron wants to continue helping the community in her memory by financially supporting Tennessee Tech nursing students.

According to an article on Tennessee Technological University’s website, Ron explained why he chose to create this scholarship in his wife’s memory. He is quoted as saying, “Creating a nursing scholarship in her name just made sense. She volunteered at Cookeville Regional Medical Center. I volunteer there as well and am on the scholarship committee there. I’ve been to the Whitson-Hester School of Nursing scholarship awards ceremony, and the students are so impressive. This scholarship makes perfect sense to me, and I know it will have a lasting impact.” He added that he simply wanted to help people: “That’s something that was always important to Marilyn. She was just the type of lady who liked to give back. She was a very thoughtful and giving person, and she was very supportive of people trying to achieve their goals.”

The Marilyn P. Ledbetter Scholarship Endowment will support upper-division nursing students, with preference for awards given to those who come from Overton County, an area to which Ron maintains close community ties. Ron noted that he and Marilyn were always impressed with Tennessee Tech nursing students and nurses who graduated from the university, especially the ones who were involved in Marilyn’s care before she passed.

Throughout Marilyn’s life, she was highly involved in various community organizations and activities. She was a member of Chapter L of P.E.O, the Coterie Book Club, the First Presbyterian Church of Cookeville, Mastersingers, and spent many years as a gift shop volunteer at Cookeville Regional Medical Center. Since her passing, Ron has started volunteering at the pharmacy within the Cookeville Regional Medical Center, as well.

Kim Hanna, who serves as the dean of the university’s Whitson-Hester School of Nursing, said, “Ron has been a dedicated advocate for nurses and nursing students throughout his many years of service on the CRMC Auxiliary Scholarship Committee. His legacy is defined by compassion, a deep commitment to quality patient care and unwavering support for healthcare professionals. His love for the CRMC community shines through in all he does. I deeply commend him for his continued dedication to helping our nursing students achieve their goals of becoming registered nurses.”

Ron is also the chairperson of the CRMC Auxiliary Scholarship Committee, which has benefitted many Tennessee Technological University students.

Ben Clark, who serves as the director of student success for the Whitson-Hester School of Nursing, said of Ron’s work on the CRMC Auxiliary Scholarship Committee, “I know nurses who would not be nurses if it weren’t for Ron’s work with CRMC Scholarships. Our students have been lucky to have Ron leading reviews of their applications, and he’s done an excellent job of identifying the students who most need financial assistance to get through school and begin their nursing careers.”

For more information about Tennessee Technological University, visit the school’s website.