Virginia Rosenbalm Gray Future Educator Endowment established at Austin Peay State University

Austin Peay State University has recently received a gift from Ginny Gray Davis, an Austin Peay State University alumna, and her husband Craig, to establish the Virginia Rosenbalm Gray Future Educator Endowment. The Davises established the endowment in memory of Ginny’s mother, Virginia, who herself was also an alumna of the university.

According to an article on Austin Peay State University’s website, Ginny Gray Davis was quoted as saying of her and Craig’s decision to endow the scholarship fund, "We wanted to honor my mother's incredible legacy in education while supporting future teachers facing the same financial challenges she once did. She believed deeply in the power of education to change lives, and this endowment ensures her commitment to helping students achieve their dreams will continue for generations."

The Virginia Rosenbalm Gray Future Educator Endowment scholarship is available to students who are studying within the university’s Eriksson College of Education. To be eligible to apply, students must be full-time education majors with a grade point average of at least 3.5, have a history of displaying leadership in high school or college, and demonstrate financial need.

Kris Phillips, the university’s Vice President for Alumni, Engagement and Philanthropy, said, "We are grateful to Craig and Ginny for their commitment to supporting future educators through this endowment. This gift represents the continuation of an APSU legacy from Virginia Rosenbalm Gray to her daughter Ginny. This endowment will help cultivate the next generation of teachers while honoring Virginia's legacy in education."

Virginia Rosenbalm Gray graduated from APSU in 1962, earning two degrees. During her time at the university, she was part of the Austin Peay State College Governettes and marched in the 1960 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Following her graduation, she spent more than 30 years working as a teacher, supervisor, and principal within Dickson County Schools. Following her retirement, she continued educating through offering English language tutoring to individuals who spoke Japanese. 

Ginny graduated from APSU in 1987, after playing for the university’s first women’s softball team. Marking her own achievements, she received the Outstanding Young Alumnus award in 1992 and the Outstanding Alumnus award in 2021. 

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