Jackson State University: Endowed Scholarship
Jackson State University is the recipient of a $200,000 donation from Pinelake Church in partnership with the Perkins Foundation. The funds have been used to create the John and Vera Mae Perkins Scholarship at JSU to help economically disadvantaged men and women obtain a college education. The contribution has been matched by Title III funds bringing the endowment to $400,000.
Named for Dr. John M. Perkins, a minister, civil rights activist, best-selling author, and community developer, and his wife, Vera Mae, the Perkins Scholarship is specifically designed for students in need of financial assistance who are likely the first in their family to attend college, and who demonstrate good character.
“It’s an honor to partner with my friend and Christian brother Dr. Perkins. Our shared faith is the foundation and inspiration for creating this scholarship,” said Dr. Chip Henderson, senior pastor of Pinelake Church. “I heard recently that ‘if we live lives of generosity, others can live lives of opportunity’ and that is what we want to be a part of.”
The Perkins Scholarship was formed as a way to cultivate the next generation of leaders who are interested in the improvement of their local communities. It is “meant to be an example of how love wins, how unity overcomes history,” said Priscilla Perkins, co-president of the Perkins Foundation.
“We are truly blessed by this partnership with Pinelake Church,” continued Perkins. “Our hope is this initial endowment grows immeasurably and changes countless lives through education and spiritual enrichment.”
Jackson State University was selected as the recipient of the Perkins Scholarship because of Dr. Perkins’ historical relationship with the university and in recognition of its many excellent academic programs that will benefit Perkins scholars. Though this scholarship is available through JSU, the hope is for it to be a model for other communities to create similar endowments that honor Dr. Perkins and invest in the next generation of local leaders.
Jackson State University