Clarksville, Tennessee, October 23, 2025
News Summary
Bristol S. Gannaway has established the Richard E. and Bristol S. Gannaway Memorial Endowment at APSU to support undergraduates. This endowment honors the Gannaways’ significant contributions to education and aims to provide scholarships for Montgomery County residents enrolled at the university, ensuring their legacy continues to benefit future generations of students.
Clarksville, Tennessee – Generous Donation Establishes Gannaway Memorial Endowment for APSU Students
In a significant contribution to the educational landscape at Austin Peay State University (APSU), Bristol S. Gannaway has established the Richard E. and Bristol S. Gannaway Memorial Endowment, designed to support undergraduates at the university. This charitable fund honors the legacy of Richard E. Gannaway and Bristol S. Gannaway, both of whom dedicated their lives to education and history.
Richard E. Gannaway served as a professor of industrial technology at APSU, while Bristol S. Gannaway was a well-respected cosmetology instructor at Clarksville High School. The endowment was established prior to Bristol’s passing in 2023, ensuring that her and Richard’s contributions to education will continue to benefit students in the region.
The endowment is aimed at providing scholarships to students who meet specific criteria. To qualify, applicants must be enrolled full-time, have completed a minimum of 24 credit hours, maintain a GPA of 2.5, reside in Montgomery County, Tennessee, and actively participate in extracurricular activities both in school and in the community. Each scholarship is renewable annually, provided recipients continue to meet these requirements.
Noteworthy Contributions of the Gannaways
Richard Gannaway’s service extended beyond the university; he was a United States Navy veteran, having served during World War II. Additionally, he contributed eight years to the Montgomery County School System Board of Education, advocating for trade programs that prepared students for careers in various fields.
Bristol has left an indelible mark on cosmetology education, having designed the program at Clarksville High School and teaching there for two decades, successfully guiding a majority of her students to fulfill the requirements necessary for the Tennessee State Board of Cosmetology certification. Richard complemented Bristol’s efforts by providing practical knowledge and skills in technical trades through his APSU courses.
A Legacy of Research and Community Engagement
After retiring, the Gannaways devoted themselves to historical research, particularly documenting obituaries from the Clarksville area over 15 years. Their work culminated in a remarkable 13-volume collection of local obituaries, dating back to the late 1800s. This extensive archive has been donated to the Montgomery County Public Library, ensuring ongoing community access to this important historical resource.
The couple, married for 56 years, were deeply involved in their community and left behind a legacy of commitment to education and historical preservation following Richard’s passing in 2002 and Bristol’s recent passing.
APSU’s Response and Future Outlook
In recognition of the Gannaways’ profound dedication to education and community service, APSU Vice President Kris Phillips commended their extensive contributions and the establishment of the endowment, which will provide ongoing support for students in need. The scholarship awards will vary according to the growth of the endowment and the spending plans of the APSU Foundation.
For those interested in establishing an endowment or supporting APSU’s fundraising initiatives, contact information for the APSU Division of Alumni, Engagement, and Philanthropy is available.
FAQs
What is the purpose of the Richard E. and Bristol S. Gannaway Memorial Endowment?
The endowment provides scholarships for APSU students to support their education and honors the legacy of Richard E. and Bristol S. Gannaway.
What are the eligibility requirements for the scholarship?
To qualify for the scholarship, students must have completed a minimum of 24 credit hours, be enrolled full-time, maintain a GPA of 2.5, be residents of Montgomery County, Tennessee, and participate in extracurricular activities at school and in the community.
Is the scholarship renewable?
Yes, the scholarship is renewable each year for recipients who continue to meet the eligibility criteria.
Key Features of the Gannaway Memorial Endowment
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Established by | Bristol S. Gannaway |
| Honors | Richard E. and Bristol S. Gannaway |
| Eligibility Criteria | Student must be a resident of Montgomery County, Tennessee, enrolled full-time, completed 24 credit hours, maintain GPA of 2.5, and participate in extracurricular activities. |
| Renewability | Scholarship is renewable for eligible recipients. |
| Background | Both Gannaways were dedicated educators with significant contributions to local education. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Clarksville Now: New Memorial Endowment Benefiting APSU Students Honors Lifelong Clarksville Educators
- Wikipedia: Austin Peay State University
- Clarksville Now: Gannaway Memorial Endowment for APSU Students
- Google Search: Richard E. and Bristol S. Gannaway
- Clarksville Now: Scholarship for APSU Students
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Clarksville High School Cosmetology
- Clarksville Now: Richard and Bristol Gannaway’s Legacy
- Google Scholar: Montgomery County Public Library Archives
- Clarksville Now: APSU’s Response to Gannaway Endowment
- Google News: APSU Endowment
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