Pictured here following a reception in their honor are the newest recipients of the Lettie Pate Whitehead Scholarship: front row, from left, Ayana Torres, Tannah Kirkland, Autumn Davis, and Eliana Miller; middle row, from left, Holly Sherritt, Miriam Viars, Michelle Motter, Nikiya Davenport, and Gillian Little; back row, from left, Tausyana Dawkins, Amie Ndiaye, and Baleigh Drummond. (Not pictured are Kaylen Beemer, Rebecca Fitzgerald, Analysa Leach, and Kallie Renner.)
Lee University awarded scholarships to 49 women for the 2020-21 school year. The Lettie Pate Whitehead Foundation, a Georgia nonprofit organization that is dedicated to the education of female students, funded the scholarships.
Scholarships were awarded to women who reside in one of nine specified southeastern states. Recipients were chosen based on a combination of factors including financial need, academic merit, and character.
“I am so thankful to be a recipient of the Lettie Pate Whitehead Scholarship this year,” said Kaylen Beemer. “I am motivated to work my hardest and strive for excellence because of the generosity and faith that has been placed in me through this contribution to my education.”
Mrs. Lettie Pate Whitehead, for whom the foundation is named, was born in Virginia in 1872. In 1895, she married Joseph Brown Whitehead, and the two settled in Chattanooga. In 1899, Mr. Whitehead and an associate approached The Coca-Cola Company with the idea of bottling the popular beverage. The two businessmen secured a contract and soon began bottling and selling Coca-Cola throughout the United States.
Upon Mr. Whitehead’s death in 1906, Mrs. Whitehead assumed responsibility for the family’s business affairs. She became one of the first women to serve on the board of directors for a major American corporation.
Along with her legacy as a successful businesswoman, Mrs. Whitehead was also known for her generosity. Throughout her life she supported charities and education programs and was viewed as a leader in her community. The Lettie Pate Whitehead Foundation aims to inspire women to stand out as leaders in their communities and to support them in their quest for education. This year marks the 16th anniversary of the scholarship program at Lee.
Among the 49 Lettie Pate Whitehead Scholars, 16 were new recipients and include Ms. Beemer of Greenville, South Carolina; Nikiyah Davenport, Tampa, Florida; Autumn Davis, Birchwood, Tennessee; Tausyana Dawkins, Chattanooga, Tennessee; Baleigh Drummond, Ellijay, Georgia; Rebecca Fitzgerald, Seymour, Tennessee; Tannah Kirkland, Pinson, Alabama; Analysa Leach, Thomasville, Georgia; Gillian Little, Ringgold, Georgia; Eliana Miller, Roanoke, Virginia; Michelle Motter, Acworth, Georgia; Amie Ndiaye, Spring Hill, Tennessee; Kallie Renner, Greeneville, Tennessee; Holly Sherritt, Powder Springs, Georgia; Ayana Torres from Seminole, Florida; and Miriam Viars from Camp Hill, Alabama.
A reception took place last month to honor the newest Lettie Pate Whitehead Scholars.
For more information about the Lettie Pate Whitehead Scholarship, contact Lee’s Office of Admissions at 614-8500.
