Clarksville, Tennessee, October 23, 2025
News Summary
A scholarship fund in memory of Richard E. and Bristol S. Gannaway has been created to support students at Austin Peay State University. The Richard E. and Bristol S. Gannaway Memorial Endowment will provide financial assistance to eligible students, ensuring their educational pursuits continue. This endowment was established through a generous contribution prior to Bristol S. Gannaway’s passing, honoring the lifelong dedication of both individuals to education and community service. The scholarship emphasizes academic achievement and community involvement, aiming to sustain the Gannaways’ legacy.
Clarksville, Tennessee – A new scholarship fund has been established in memory of Richard E. and Bristol S. Gannaway, thanks to a generous contribution from Bristol S. Gannaway prior to her passing in 2023. The Richard E. and Bristol S. Gannaway Memorial Endowment will benefit students at Austin Peay State University (APSU) by providing financial assistance to help them pursue their education.
The endowment honors the legacy of Richard E. Gannaway, a professor of industrial technology at APSU, and Bristol S. Gannaway, a respected cosmetology instructor at Clarksville High School. Both dedicated their lives to education and made significant contributions within their communities, creating a lasting impact on students and families.
To qualify for the scholarship, students must adhere to several criteria. They must have completed a minimum of 24 credit hours, be enrolled full-time, maintain at least a 2.5 GPA, and be residents of Montgomery County, Tennessee. Additionally, students are required to have participated in extracurricular activities both at school and within their communities. Importantly, the scholarship is renewable each year for eligible recipients, offering sustained support throughout their studies.
Phil Gannaway, the son of Richard and Bristol, expressed pride in his parents’ legacy and is devoted to expanding the scholarship fund in their honor. He emphasizes the importance of education and community engagement, values that were central to his parents’ lives.
Richard Gannaway began his career as an educator after serving in the United States Navy during World War II. He was a strong advocate for trade programs while serving on the Montgomery County School System board of education for eight years. Meanwhile, Bristol Gannaway devoted 20 years to designing and teaching the cosmetology program at Clarksville High School, during which time the majority of her students met the requirements for professional practice in their field.
In their retirement, the Gannaways took on a project to compile and archive obituaries from Clarksville-area deaths. Over 15 years, they created a comprehensive 13-volume historical collection, which they ultimately donated to the Montgomery County Public Library for public access and community benefit.
Richard Gannaway passed away in 2002, and Bristol Gannaway passed away in 2023, but their commitment to education and community service continues to live on through this scholarship fund.
Kris Phillips, the Vice President of APSU, noted the significant impact that the Gannaways had during their teaching careers, as well as their contributions to the community and historical preservation, signifying their roles as pillars of the local educational landscape.
The management of endowments like the Gannaway Memorial Endowment falls under the purview of APSU Foundation. The amounts awarded through this scholarship will vary based on the fund’s overall value and established spending plan. For those interested in establishing an endowment or supporting fundraising initiatives at APSU, they are encouraged to reach out to the APSU Division of Alumni, Engagement and Philanthropy for more information.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Richard E. and Bristol S. Gannaway Memorial Endowment?
The Richard E. and Bristol S. Gannaway Memorial Endowment is a scholarship fund established in memory of two lifelong educators, Richard E. Gannaway and Bristol S. Gannaway, to support students at Austin Peay State University (APSU).
Who established the scholarship fund?
The scholarship fund was created by Bristol S. Gannaway prior to her passing in 2023.
What are the eligibility requirements for the scholarship?
To qualify for the scholarship, students must meet the following criteria:
- Have completed a minimum of 24 credit hours.
- Be enrolled full-time with at least a 2.5 GPA.
- Be residents of Montgomery County, Tennessee.
- Have participated in extracurricular activities at school and in the community.
Is the scholarship renewable?
Yes, the scholarship is renewable for eligible recipients each year.
How will the funds from the scholarship be managed?
The endowment will be managed by the APSU Foundation, with scholarship amounts varying based on the endowment’s value and spending plan.
Key Features of the Scholarship Fund
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Name of Fund | Richard E. and Bristol S. Gannaway Memorial Endowment |
| Establisher | Bristol S. Gannaway |
| Supports | Austin Peay State University (APSU) students |
| Eligibility Criteria | 24 credit hours complete, full-time enrollment, 2.5 GPA, Montgomery County resident, extracurricular participation |
| Renewable | Yes, for eligible recipients each year |
| Management | APSU Foundation |
| Founded in | 2023 |
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Additional Resources
- Clarksville Now
- Wikipedia: Austin Peay State University
- Clarksville Online
- Google Search: scholarships in Tennessee
- Clarksville Now (Home)
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