RECOGNITION SOCIETIES
1887 Society
The 1887 Society of Troy University is an exclusive society that exists to recognize
donors who have made annual gifts to the University for the last three or more consecutive
years. As a member, donors are recognized with a welcome packet, a commemorative certificate,
a custom logo lapel pin and invitations to seminars, athletic and special events on
campus.Make a Gift Now
TROY Shield Society
The Shield Society recognizes donors who have committed a Legacy Gift to Troy University.
A legacy gift is a planned estate gift made through a will or living trust, beneficiary
designation, IRA charitable rollover, certain real estate, a donor-advised fund, or
charitable lead trust.
For more information about making a legacy gift, please visit https://www.troyshieldsociety.org, email us at legacygiving@troy.edu, or call (334) 670-3608.
The Arts & Science Alliance
The Arts & Science Alliance is comprised of the most elite and faithful donors to
the College of Arts & Sciences. The Alliance welcomes donors who give $1,000 or more
annually to any CAS fund, while those who have graduated in the last 15 years are
eligible through a minimum contribution of $500. Contributions can made throughout
the year to reach the Alliance level and can even be established by signing up for
smaller monthly recurring gifts.
White Coat Society
By donating $100 or more, you can join the White Coat Society and make an immediate
impact on the life of a nursing student. You will be able to hear from students and
faculty and see how your generosity truly made a difference. This is an annual giving
initiative that will assist undergraduate nursing students in purchasing necessary
medical items such as scrubs, coats, shoes, stethoscopes, and even smaller items like
badge holders, bandage scissors, and clipboards.
Troy Humanities Alliance/ THA
THA is a body of friends, alumni, supporters, and patrons of Troy University's College
of Communication and Fine Arts. THA promotes the well-being, advancement, and success
of CCFA by assisting administrators, faculty and staff through enhancing and engaging
its network of supports. Give annually to CCFA at a level that is meaningful to the
member. Giving tiers include: Designer Circle - $2,500 per year; Performer Circle - $1,200 per year; Authors - $500 per year; Reporters - $300 per year; Ensemble Members - $100 per year.
Make a Gift Now
College of Education Dean's Leadership Circle
The Dean's Leadership Circle is an annual giving recognition society for donors who
contribute $1,000 or more annually to any Troy University's College of Education fund.
Leadership giving within the College of Education plays a dynamic and vital role in
proving annual support to the College. Gifts at the Dean's Leadership Circle level
can be made in support of faculty and students through investments in scholarships,
capital projects or for operational support of the College.
Make a Gift Now
2025 NEW ENDOWED FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIPS
Wendy K. McGhee Endowed Scholarship for Outstanding Computer Science
Wendy K. McGhee holds a bachelor's degree in computer science and accounting from Troy University, an MBA from Auburn University at Montgomery, and is a Certified Master Baker formally trained at the Institute of Culinary Education Baking and Pastry School in NYC. Mrs. McGhee's accolades do not end with her educational pursuits; she also owns various businesses, including Wendy McGhee & Associates, a technology firm specializing in data science and cybersecurity. In support of her beloved alma mater, Mrs. McGhee worked with the Troy University Foundation to establish the Wendy K. McGhee Endowed Scholarship for Outstanding Computer Science Students. This scholarship is awarded to students majoring in computer science or information technology on the University's main campus. Recipients must have and maintain a 3.5 GPA, are required to write a letter of appreciation to the donor, and are encouraged to attend the Scholarship Donor and Recipient Reception held each year. The Troy University Scholarship Committee selects recipients.
Betty Parish Chancellor Memorial Scholarship
Betty Chancellor Parish spent her formative years in Galveston, Texas, before moving to Headland, Alabama, in high school. After high school, Betty continued to live in Headland and began working at Woolworths before enrolling at Troy State College in 1962. As a student at TROY, Betty began working at the University Library, where she was offered a full-time position after graduating. During this time, Mrs. Chancellor was introduced to her future husband, Tommy, and in 1969, the two married and eventually had one daughter together. While working full-time at the library, Mrs. Chancellor began taking classes at night and on the weekends at the University of Alabama to complete her Master of Library Science degree, which she obtained in 1981. Mrs. Chancellor went on to complete forty-eight years with the Troy University Library. During that time, she served on numerous committees, such as the Faculty Senate and the Chancellor Search Committee. This year, Kaye Davis established the Betty Parrish Chancellor Memorial Scholarship to honor her mother's memory and give back to the school she loved and served for so many years. First preference for the scholarship is given to first-generation or older adult students from Pike or Henry counties in Alabama. Recipients must have and maintain a 3.0 GPA, are required to write a letter of appreciation to the donor, and are encouraged to attend the Scholarship Donor and Recipient Reception held each year. The Troy University Scholarship Committee selects recipients.
2025 New Current Foundation Scholarships
Rashad M. McClaney Hope and Healing Scholarship
Rashad Montel McClaney was only 25 years old when he was tragically taken from his family on November 3, 2018. After his sudden passing, Dr. Venesia and Mr. Ahmaad McClaney established the Rashad M. McClaney Foundation to honor the life and legacy of their beloved son and brother. In January of 2025, the foundation established the Rashad M. McClaney Hope and Healing Scholarship as a way to assist Troy University students who have lost a parent or sibling to violence. Rashad's scholarship is awarded to students who are residents of Alabama's Black Belt counties. Such counties include Barbour, Bullock, Butler, Choctaw, Crenshaw, Dallas, Green, Hale, Lowndes, Macon, Marengo, Montgomery, Perry, Pickens, Pike, Russell, Sumter, and Wilcox. Applicants must be incoming freshmen on TROY's main campus, have and maintain a 2.5 GPA, and provide documentation of their loved ones passing. Applicants must submit a 300 to 500-word personal statement for the scholarship committee and donors to review, addressing the following prompt: "Describe how losing a parent or sibling to violence has shaped your life and influenced your goals. How will this scholarship support your journey at Troy University?" Recipients are required to write a letter of appreciation to the donor and attend the annual Scholarship Donor and Recipient Reception.
E. L. Gibson Foundation Nursing Scholarship
One of the main goals of the E. L. Gibson Foundation is to promote better health among the residents living within Alabama's Wiregrass Area. The foundation accomplishes this goal by establishing scholarships like the E. L. Gibson Foundation Nursing Scholarship for nursing students on Troy University's main campus. This scholarship is awarded to students from Coffee, Covington, Dale, or Geneva counties. To be eligible, students must have and maintain a 3.0 PGA. The Troy University Scholarship Committee selects recipients who must write a letter of appreciation to the donor and attend the annual Scholarship Donor and Recipient Reception.
C Spire Foundation Scholarship
Since 2005, the C Spire Foundation has worked hard to inspire excellence and transform the communities that C Spire serves in Alabama, Mississippi, and Tennessee. This year, the foundation's efforts reached the Troy community when they established the C Spire Foundation Scholarship for students on Troy University's main campus. This scholarship is awarded to students majoring in Accounting, Computer and Information Sciences, Electronics Engineering, and/or Cyber Security. To be eligible, applicants must be citizens of the United States, reside in the state of Alabama, have a minimum ACT score of 25, and have and maintain a 3.0 GPA. Recipients must consent to the donor using their name and likeness on the C Spire website and social media accounts to recognize them as scholarship recipients. Three scholarships of $5,000.00 each are awarded annually to recipients selected by the Troy University Scholarship Committee. Recipients are required to write a letter of appreciation to the donor and attend the annual Scholarship Donor and Recipient Reception.
Denzel S. Baldwin Scholarship
When Denzel S. Baldwin was born with cerebral palsy and a collapsed airway, doctors predicted that he would not live past his first birthday. However, Denzel defied those expectations, overcame numerous obstacles, and became known as "The Miracle Baby" of his hometown of Brewton, Alabama. Denzel learned to communicate with his family, achieved many physical feats, inspired all who knew him, and changed the world with his smile. Although Denzel's life was brief, his impact will be felt for years to come, and Robert L. Baldwin, II is making sure of that through establishing the Denzel S. Baldwin Scholarship in his honor. This scholarship is awarded to incoming freshmen students pursuing a degree on Troy University's main campus. Applicants must submit two letters of recommendation, proof of acceptance to TROY, and documentation of a qualifying disability. To qualify, students must have and maintain a 2.0 GPA. Potential recipients will be referred to the Scholarship Committee for selection by Troy University's Coordinator of Adaptive Needs. Recipients are required to write a letter of appreciation to the donor and attend the annual Scholarship Donor and Recipient Reception.
FEATURED STORIES
Troy University Establishes Betty Parish Chancellor Memorial Scholarship to Honor Lifelong Commitment to Education
Troy University has announced the establishment of the Betty Parish Chancellor Memorial Scholarship, in honor of the late Betty Parish Chancellor, a devoted university employee whose 48-year career reflected an unwavering commitment to education and student success.
Betty Parish Chancellor began her academic journey at Troy University in 1962 after moving from Galveston, Texas to Headland, Alabama. While working at Woolworths in Dothan, she enrolled at TROY and pursued a degree in education. During her undergraduate years, she worked at the University's library, where she developed a passion for library science and academic service. After graduating in 1965, she accepted a full-time position with the Troy University Library and officially began a career that spanned nearly five decades.
While working full time, Chancellor continued her education. She attended night and weekend classes to pursue a Master of Library Science from the University of Alabama, completing her degree during a sabbatical in the summer of 1981. In addition to her library work, she contributed to campus life through service on committees such as the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS), the Faculty Senate and the Chancellor Search Committee.
In recognition of her service, Chancellor's daughter, Kaye C. Davis, has pledged $25,000 to establish the scholarship through the Troy University Foundation. The fund is intended to support education majors on the Troy Campus, particularly students whose paths reflect Chancellor's values and experiences.
“My mother truly loved TROY—every part of it,” said Kaye Davis. “She wasn't just dedicated to academics or the library. She supported everything from student success to athletics. She never missed a season and always had her all-sports pass in hand. TROY wasn't just where she worked—it was her home, her community and her pride.”
Scholarship Details
The Betty Parish Chancellor Memorial Scholarship will assist education majors at Troy University (Troy Campus). Preference will be given to first-generation students or older adult learners from Pike or Henry counties in Alabama. Awards may be based on merit or financial need and will require recipients to maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0. The scholarship is renewable annually, and recipients will be selected by the Troy University Scholarship Committee.
This scholarship honors Betty Parish Chancellor's lifelong dedication to learning and higher education. Through this gift, her legacy will continue to support and inspire students at Troy University for generations to come.
Troy University students majoring in accounting, computer and information sciences, electronics engineering or cybersecurity now have the opportunity to apply yearly for a $5,000 scholarship established by the C Spire Foundation.
The C Spire Foundation recently donated an initial $15,000 to the University to award three students a scholarship for the 2025-2026 academic year. Through these scholarships, the Foundation aims to continue its long-standing commitment to educational excellence and community enrichment.
"This initiative aligns with our mission to inspire excellence and transform the communities we serve by investing in education and professional skills development," said Beth Pickering, president and executive director of the C Spire Foundation. "By supporting Troy University students, we are fostering future leaders and highlighting the importance of innovation for a better future for our region."
While the scholarship program is a new partnership with TROY, the C Spire Foundation already has roots on campus. For the last several years, the Foundation has sponsored the Department of Computer Science's annual Hackathon competition, a 24-hour coding event that tasks students with solving real-world problems.
“We've been really pleased with being involved with the Department of Computer Science and getting to meet and work with the students that have participated in the event,” Pickering said. “We're excited about our continued relationship with TROY. Because of C Spire's business presence in the community, we're happy to be able to offer scholarships to students who will hopefully remain in the Troy region after graduation and contribute to the workforce there.”
To be eligible for the scholarship, students in the required majors must also maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 and have a minimum ACT score of 25. Recipients will be selected by the Troy University Scholarship Committee, and the scholarships will be awarded annually beginning in the fall and will be for one year only. Recipients may reapply each year.
About the C Spire Foundation
The C Spire Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit charitable organization funded by C Spire. Its mission is to inspire a passion to be the best and help transform the areas C Spire serves by providing grants for STEM and STEAM education (science, technology, engineering, arts and math) for students in grades K-12 and institutions of higher learning, primarily in Mississippi.
Since 1997, the C Spire Foundation has donated millions of dollars in scholarships, opening doors to higher education in its region. These programs inspire and encourage students to consider pursuing academic degrees or professional careers in science, technology, engineering and math-related fields.
New scholarship will help students complete Accounting undergraduate degree at TROY
The newly created Scott and Colleen Sport Endowed Accounting Scholarship will help rural students become successful.
Applicants must have passed Principals of Accounting I to be eligible and have a 2.5 grade point average, and preference will be given first to students from Crenshaw County, then to applicants from Barbour, Butler, Coffee, Covington, Dale or Pike counties. If no applicants are from those areas, then preference will be given to a first-generation college student from any county.
Scott Sport is a 1986 graduate of the Sorrell College of Business, having completed his undergraduate degree in accounting. He went on to earn an MBA from Auburn University. He is a partner in accounting firm Ernst & Young's Strategy and Transactions practice with more than 35 years of public accounting, corporate development and private manufacturing and distribution experience.
He currently serves as EY's Global Leader for Transactions & Corporate Finance.
A native of Luverne, Sport's father, Joe Rex, was a TROY alumnus and long-time educator in Crenshaw County, eventually serving as superintendent there. His two sisters became teachers as well.
“As I became successful, I set up the Joe Rex and Barbara Sport Scholarship at TROY to both honor my parents for all they did for me and to help others from Crenshaw and surrounding rural communities pursue their own education at TROY,” Sport said. “I am very pleased that we have been able to support a number of students in their educational pursuit.”
Similar to his initial scholarship, he hopes to provide the same help specifically to Accounting students at TROY, in turn empowering those students to “pay it forward” to future generations of TROY students.
“While at TROY, I majored in Accounting. In doing so, I found that it provided a solid foundation for business acumen and underlying financial skills that enabled my career progression . . . When I look back at the key ingredients to my success and advice I would pass on to others in Accounting, I would say: (i) always be learning, (ii) take some chances and (iii) reinvent yourself as new opportunities arise,” Sport said. “These, coupled with hard work and some good fortune, have allowed me to have a rewarding career.”
JR Eason, Director of Development at TROY, said Sport's support is invaluable to the growth within the Carr School.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed working with Scott to establish his second scholarship endowment. We cannot thank him and his family enough for their continued investment in making college more affordable for TROY's students,” Eason said. “The scholarship will be instrumental in recruiting accounting students, especially from this region of Alabama, and will be impactful for the Carr School of Accountancy for many years to come.”
In the end, Sport said he'd found a deeper appreciation for the University and the Sorrell College.
“As I look back to my time at TROY, I most fondly remember the teachers (Mr. [Gene] Sherman, specifically) who took interest in my education, and the friends I have made at TROY,” he said. “Over the years, I have also come to appreciate just how much TROY means not only to me, but to many others from rural communities with backgrounds similar to my own, and who are seeking education as a vehicle for success in their careers and lives.”
2024 Donors stories
New scholarship will help students complete Accounting undergraduate degree at TROY
https://today.troy.edu/news/sport-accounting-scholarship/
Alumnus Baker gives back to help TROY Kinesiology and Health Promotion students
https://today.troy.edu/alumni/alumnus-baker-gives-back-to-help-troy-kinesiology-and-health-promotion-students/
Scholarship pays dividends for TROY education students, Troy City Schools
https://today.troy.edu/news/scholarship-pays-dividends-for-troy-education-students-troy-city-schools/
Proud alums create an endowed scholarship to help students experience TROY
https://today.troy.edu/news/proud-alums-create-an-endowed-scholarship-to-help-students-experience-troy/
New bench on TROY's campus bears name of former Dean of Enrollment
https://today.troy.edu/news/new-bench-on-troys-campus-bears-name-of-former-dean-of-enrollment/
Troy University surpasses Giving Day goal for seventh straight year, raises almost
$445K
https://today.troy.edu/news/troy-surpasses-giving-day-goal-for-seventh-straight-year/
Sports Science Lab in new Jones Hall to bear name of TROY icon John “Doc” Anderson
https://today.troy.edu/news/sports-science-lab-in-new-jones-hall-to-bear-name-of-troy-icon-john-doc-anderson/
Laura Aaron Mixon memorial scholarship aims to spread “love and light” to new choral
students
https://today.troy.edu/news/laura-aaron-mixon-memorial-scholarship-aims-to-spread-love-and-light-to-new-choral-students/
New scholarship will honor the memory of FarmHouse's Matthew Awbrey
https://today.troy.edu/news/aubrey-farmhouse-scholarship/
Alabama Nursing Foundation, Beard family gift to help equip TROY's School of Nursing
with advanced simulation equipment
https://today.troy.edu/news/anf-beard-family-gift/
Student-inspired Pike Community Scholarship to provide tuition for four years
https://today.troy.edu/news/student-inspired-pike-community-scholarship-to-provide-tuition-for-four-years/
Donors recognized at annual Scholarship Brunch
https://today.troy.edu/news/donors-recognized-at-annual-scholarship-brunch/
Sorrell young alumnus establishes endowed scholarship to ‘give back' the chance he
was given as an undergraduate
https://today.troy.edu/news/dick-gives-back/
Betty Floyd Vance Endowed Nursing Scholarship to aid TROY nursing majors from Pike
County
https://today.troy.edu/news/betty-floyd-vance-endowed-nursing-scholarship/
Joe and Mary Ann Cromeans Charitable Foundation Scholarship aids TROY students studying
sciences, nursing and the arts
https://today.troy.edu/news/joe-and-mary-ann-cromeans-charitable-foundation-scholarship-aids-troy-students/
A new scholarship will honor the memory of TROY alumna Tabatha Martineau by helping
eligible students with disabilities.
https://today.troy.edu/news/tree-of-life-scholarship/