By Aubrianna Brown 
 

Lee University student Maksym “Max” Bakurov was recently named the 2025-26 Tucker Scholar in engineering.  
  
Bakurov is a general engineering major originally from Ukraine and now resides in Ooltewah, Tennessee. In his first year at Lee, he enjoys playing soccer, writing podcasts, and learning all he can from Lee professors. He also volunteers at the Samaritan Center in Ooltewah.   
  
“It is a real blessing to be awarded the Tucker Scholarship,” said Bakurov. “With this prestigious scholarship, I understand that what I aspire to is achievable. At Lee, I enjoy getting beyond curriculum because my instructors create a supportive study environment — allowing me to grasp greater scientific insight.”  
  
After graduation, Bakurov hopes to start a business, launch a digital platform, and assist his parents in the naturalization process.  
  
“Max takes the famous quote, ‘Question everything,’ quite literally,” said Dr. Debra Gladden, professor of mathematics at Lee. “He asks such good questions and has such an inquisitive nature. I have met very few people who rival his joy for learning. Max is also very determined and hard-working, and when these strengths come together, you see a smart, capable student. In addition to all of this, he is delightful to have in class.”   
  
Introduced as part of an institutional initiative to start an engineering program at Lee University, the Tucker Foundation Endowed Scholarship for Engineering was established in 2025 by a generous grant from the Tucker Foundation. The renewable scholarship is awarded each year to an engineering major from the Cleveland / Chattanooga area. 
  
The Tucker Foundation previously established scholarships in nursing and in mathematics and science at Lee University.  
  
For more information about the Tucker Foundation Endowed Scholarship in Engineering, contact the Department of Mathematical Sciences at (423) 473-3805.