The Bennett family celebrates the announcement of the Teddie Jones Bennett Endowment Scholarship during Teddie’s surprise birthday party. Pictured are Teddie and Don Bennett with their children and grandchildren.
Teddie, left, and Don Bennett
Teddie Jones Bennett coordinates a disaster relief station in Texas following Hurricane Harvey in 2017—one of many response centers she organized throughout her nearly three decades of service with Men and Women of Action
Lee University has announced the establishment of the Teddie Jones Bennett Endowment Scholarship, created to support students pursuing a degree in Disaster and Healthcare Mission Management.
The scholarship was revealed during a surprise birthday celebration for Teddie Jones Bennett on July 12, where she was surrounded by family and friends. The event included tributes from loved ones and a special appearance by Lee University President Dr. Phil Cook.
“In honor of Teddie Jones Bennett’s exemplary service with the Church of God’s Men and Women of Action, we are proud to establish this scholarship at Lee University,” said Dr. Cook. “Her impact through mission-driven disaster relief efforts will continue through the students whose education this scholarship makes possible.”
Ms. Bennett served for 27 years as office manager and disaster relief coordinator with Men and Women of Action, leading or supporting more than 2,500 projects globally and coordinating responses to 26 major disasters, including hurricanes, tornadoes, floods and tsunamis.
“Teddie’s life has been dedicated to helping others,” said her daughter, Rachel Hicks. “This scholarship honors her legacy by equipping future students to carry that same mission forward – to serve, lead, and bring healing wherever it’s needed.”
Her leadership extended around the world, taking her to countries such as Albania, Brazil, Cambodia, Ethiopia, France, Sri Lanka, and Thailand, among many others. She led more than 85 international mission teams and coordinated U.S.-based disaster relief efforts, including immediate response to tornadoes in Cleveland, where she was known for establishing command centers within hours.
“She has a gift for organizing people and resources in the midst of chaos,” said her husband, Don Bennett, who helped spearhead the scholarship’s creation. “Teddie’s life has been a ministry of restoration and hope. This scholarship is a natural extension of her work and the calling she’s so faithfully lived out.”
The scholarship will benefit students majoring in DHMM, a program at Lee that prepares professionals for leadership in disaster response and global health missions.
“This scholarship not only honors the legacy of Teddie Bennett’s extraordinary service, but also directly empowers our students to follow in her footsteps,” said Jake Fast, director of Lee’s DHMM program. “Her life’s work represents the heart of what we train our students to do – respond with skill, compassion, and resilience in the face of crisis. We’re proud to carry her legacy forward.”
Lee University has played a significant role in the Bennett family’s legacy. All three of Teddie Bennett’s daughters – Sarah Colonna, Abby Fletcher, and Rachel Hicks – are alumnae of the university, as are Don Bennett’s daughters, Christa Bennett and Sara Gentry. In addition, the Bennetts’ grandson is currently enrolled at Lee, with plans to graduate in 2026.
“Our education at Lee gave us a strong foundation for our careers, deepened our faith, and blessed us with lifelong friendships,” said Ms. Hicks. “We hope this scholarship does the same for others.”
To contribute to the Teddie Jones Bennett Endowment Scholarship, visit www.leeuniversity.edu/give and select “Endowed Scholarships.” For more information about establishing a scholarship at Lee, contact Carolyn Carroll in Advancement Services at (423) 614-8324.
For more information about Lee’s Disaster and Healthcare Mission Management program, visit www.leeuniversity.edu/academics/nursing/dhmm.