The 2023-2024 Tucker Scholars for Science and Math, Katelyn Scheffer, left, and Laurel Sanders
Lee University students Laurel Sanders and Katelyn Scheffer were named the 2023-24 Tucker Foundation Scholarship recipients in mathematics and natural science, respectively.
Ms. Sanders is a mathematics education, Grades 6-12, major with a minor in religion. Originally from Kingsport, Tn., Ms. Sanders tutors math at Lee and is a member of L.E.A.P. (Learn- Engage- Achieve- Program).
“It is such an honor and a privilege to be selected as the mathematics Tucker Scholar this year,” said Ms. Sanders. “As my graduation approaches, I am extremely grateful for God's faithfulness and the kindness of the Tucker Foundation.”
Upon graduation, Ms. Sanders plans to begin teaching and start her master’s degree in mathematics or education, as well as pursue a Doctor of Philosophy or Doctor of Education in later years.
“Laurel is clearly dedicated to becoming an excellent mathematics educator,” said Dr. Laura Singletary, professor of mathematics at Lee. “Her care for students and passion for teaching mathematics in meaningful ways is evident in how she approaches her coursework and her time in the classroom. This scholarship follows from her exceptional character, her commitment to excellence in learning and teaching, and her desire to inspire students in her future classroom.”
Ms. Scheffer, from Lenoir City, Tn., is a biological science major with an emphasis in pre-physical therapy. She serves as the chaplain and historian for Alpha Epsilon Delta, Lee’s health professional honor society, and serves as an assistant for an anatomy and physiology class lab and as a tutor in the Specimen's Lab.
“Receiving this award was a blessing,” said Ms. Scheffer. “With so much unknown about the future ahead of me, this award has relieved some of the financial worries and readied me to pursue a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree.”
After graduation, Ms. Scheffer plans to go to physical therapy school and become a pediatric physical therapist.
“From the beginning, I was impressed with Katelyn’s drive and tenacity to achieve her goals,” said Dr. Pamela Hobbs, assistant professor in health science at Lee. “She is such a strong student, not only because of her intellect, but also because she is passionate about learning. Katelyn is very deserving of this honor, and I am so proud of her.”
The Tucker Foundation Scholarship for Science and Math was established in 2009 by a generous endowment grant from the Tucker Foundation. The scholarship is awarded each year to one senior science major and one senior mathematics major who are outstanding students from East Tennessee.
The scholarship was introduced as part of an institutional initiative to enhance natural science and mathematics at Lee University. The endowed scholarship was established by the Tucker Foundation on behalf of Mr. and Mrs. Summerfield K. Johnston, Jr.
For more information about the natural science and mathematics Tucker Foundation Endowed Scholarship, contact the Department of Natural Sciences at 614-8275.
The 2023-2024 Tucker Scholars for Science and Math (left to right), Katelyn Scheffer and Laurel Sanders.