Carson-Newman University, a private, Christian liberal arts institution in Jefferson City, TN, has announced the establishment of a new scholarship, named for a bluegrass legend. The Ricky Skaggs Endowed Scholarship is part of the school’s Students First campaign, which had already raised $16,501,211 of its $25 million goal when it was made public on October 15 during a donor recognition dinner on campus.
Skaggs was present for the announcement, and gave a brief, emotional address where he said:
“I am very honored to have a scholarship in my name. And there is no University that I know of anywhere that I’d rather have it sit and rest as Carson-Newman.”
Former Tennessee congressman Zach Wamp was also on hand for the dinner, who also serves as a Carson-Newman Trustee. It was he who first brought Ricky and the University together when Kentucky Thunder came in April 2012 to perform at a benefit show for a previous scholarship fund.
The total number and amount of scholarship awards to be given each year will be dependent on the final amount raised. The campaign has already exceeded its initial financial goal, with more than $30,000 pledged to date.
Anyone interested in making a donation to the Ricky Skaggs Endowed Scholarship can contact the Carson-Newman Advancement Office by phone (865-471-3245) or email.
