Lee University recently held a reception to honor its 11 graduating Lettie Pate Whitehead Scholars. 

“We are so proud of the 11 graduating Lettie Pate Whitehead Scholars,” said Vanessa Hammond, director of Grants & Foundation Relations at Lee. “These young women not only represent Lee University well with their character and educational achievement, but they also honor the legacy of Mrs. Whitehead Evans, for whom the scholarship is named, with their determined spirit. We are grateful for the Lettie Pate Whitehead Foundation’s investment in our students and their futures.” 

Scholarships are awarded to female students who reside in the southeastern region and demonstrate financial need, academic accomplishments, and overall character. 

Among the 50 Lettie Pate Whitehead Scholars, the 11 graduating seniors include Ashley Brantner, a human development major with a deaf studies emphasis from Johnson City, Tennessee; Jocelyne Espinal, an art major with a graphic design emphasis from Cleveland, Tennessee; Bekah Foutch, a history major from Greer, South Carolina; Bethany Garner, a special education major from Alachua, Florida; Tannah Kirkland, a psychology major from Pinson, Alabama; Holly Leonard, a nursing major from Cleveland, Tennessee; Gillian Little, a psychology major from Ringgold, Georgia; Caroline Perkins, a public administration major from Fayetteville, Georgia; Lydia Rankhorn, an English major with a writing emphasis from Cunningham, Tennessee; Holly Sherritt, a nursing major from Powder Springs, Georgia; and Alexandra Steffins, a business administration major from Calhoun, Louisiana. 

“It has been amazing to have this scholarship and community backing me from the start of my freshman year to the end of my senior year,” said Rankhorn. “This community has watched me grow over the last four years and has allowed me to feel acknowledged and seen. The people I’ve met and the programs like Lettie Pate Whitehead have poured into me financially, as well as personally. Because of these programs, I am able to walk confidently into my next chapter, and for that, I am eternally grateful.” 

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 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 Office of Admissions at (423) 614-8500.