Lee University recently held a reception to honor the 56 undergraduate students selected as Lettie Pate Whitehead recipients for the 2025-26 academic year. The event featured several speakers who celebrated and encouraged the women’s academic and spiritual pursuits.  
 
The reception began with Vanessa Hammond, vice president for university relations, who welcomed guests and highlighted the Lettie Pate Whitehead Foundation’s longstanding commitment to supporting education. She spoke of the powerful effect the foundation has had on the lives of its Lee University scholars and encouraged the students in their educational journey. Dr. Lorinda Roberts, vice president for student success, followed by opening the reception in prayer and sharing gratitude for those gathered. 
 
After refreshments, Dr. Angela Waltrip, director of the LEAP Trio Grant, introduced Tonya Cook, wife of Lee President Dr. Phil Cook, who, in an interview with Lettie Pate Whitehead scholar Jasmine Medlock, offered a unique and inspiring perspective to the scholars in attendance. 
 
“The Lettie Pate Whitehead reception was a wonderful time to see and reconnect with previous and new scholars,” said Kaylen Purks, a student success coach at Lee. “It was inspiring to hear Mrs. Cook share her perspective as a first-generation student, including both the challenges and the beautiful moments that come with that experience. All of the students left inspired after hearing her testimony about the faithfulness of the Lord throughout college and her life at Lee.” 
 
Among the 56 Lettie Pate Whitehead scholars, 15 were new recipients and include Natalie Anderson, a criminal justice major from Maryville, Tennessee; Katelyn Buller, a nursing major from Copperhill, Tennessee; Anne Cravatt, a nursing major from Asheville, North Carolina; Rebecca Dardich, a biology major from Clearwater, Florida; Raquel Davis, a music major with an emphasis in vocal performance from Cartersville, Georgia; Katelyn Gallaher, a music major from Cleveland, Tennessee; Elizabeth Harris, a biology major from Dalton, Georgia; Savannah Hilburn, a nursing major from Chatsworth, Georgia; Casey Holeman, a global transformation and teaching English to speakers of other languages major from Franklin, Tennessee; Emma LeRoy, a discipleship ministry major from Southaven, Mississippi; Carrie Partin, a theatre major from Dunlap, Tennessee; Milly Smith, a special education major from Estill Springs, Tennessee; Maysie Stewart, an English major from Tellico Plains, Tennessee; Fiona Varnum, a liberal studies major from Pikeville, Tennessee; and Emily Warthan, a management major from Knoxville, Tennessee.  
 
The Lettie Pate Whitehead Foundation, a public charity dedicated to female students and their education at more than 200 colleges, universities, and schools, encourages young women to become leaders in their communities by supporting them as they complete their education.   
   
Mrs. Lettie Pate Whitehead Evans, for whom the foundation is named, was born in 1872 in Virginia. She married Joseph Brown Whitehead in 1894, who later formed a contract with Coca-Cola to bottle and sell their products. In 1906, Mrs. Whitehead gained control of the business upon her husband’s death and became one of the first women to serve on the board of directors for a major American corporation in 1934.     
 
Throughout Mrs. Whitehead’s life, she supported charities and education programs. Her contributions and concern for others left a lasting impact on her community and throughout the region.     
   
For more information about the Lettie Pate Whitehead Scholarship, contact Lee’s Financial Aid office at (423) 614-8300.