Through a partnership with the Kaufman Economic Development Corporation, the Trinity Valley Community College Foundation has created a $1 million endowed nursing scholarship.

“The endowed nursing scholarship will provide approximately 50 scholarships per year to students in the health occupations field at TVCC,” said Scholarship Coordinator and Development Officer Kandi Jones.

In October 2023, KEDC and TVCC announced the sale of approximately 105 acres of land on US Highway 175 near the Kaufman County Courthouse from the TVCC Foundation to the KEDC. The property was originally donated to the TVCC Foundation in 2019 by Alton White, a longtime supporter of TVCC.

“We are so thankful for the generosity of donors like Mr. White who have made it possible for so many students to have financial assistance to complete their education,” Jones expressed.

The partnership between TVCC and KEDC not only expands scholarship opportunities at TVCC but also highlights the strong community support that the college values, noted TVCC President Dr. Jason Morrison.

“This is about two strong partners coming together to work for the advancement of higher education and the community economically,” Morrison said.

Morrison shared that the partnership couldn’t happen without two key players: former TVCC Foundation chairman Mike Hembree and KEDC Executive Director Stewart McGregor.

“I really appreciate both of these men and the impact they have had on TVCC,” Morrison added. “Mr. Hembree was a strong advocate on selling the land and making the scholarship opportunities happen. He has established a strong legacy from his time at TVCC. As for Stewart, I value not only his partnership but also his enthusiasm to collaborate as a community.”

At the current time, half of the funds from the purchase of the land has been endowed with plans to endow the other half of the funds soon, Morrison shared.

Jones explained endowed funds last in perpetuity. Once established, only the interest earned is used, leaving the principal to continue earning interest for additional awards. It is the gift that keeps on giving.

“The greatest thing about the endowment is it will continue helping students forever,” Jones said. “The gift will continue giving and will make a huge and lasting impact in the lives of our students.”