Jody Cash Memorial Scholarship at Murray State University

MURRAY, Ky. – Murray State University has announced the establishment of the Jody Cash Memorial Scholarship, funded by gifts to the Murray State University Foundation from Towing for Toys through Monty McCuiston and friends and family of the late Jody Cash, including his wife, Michelle Moore Cash. The scholarship will assist students who have graduated from either Murray Independent High School or Calloway County High School and plan to study criminal justice with the intent of serving in the law enforcement profession.

Chief Deputy Jody Cash served for over two decades in law enforcement in Kentucky, including almost two years with the Calloway County Sheriff’s Office, eight years with the Kentucky State Police, six years as the assistant chief of the Murray State University Police Department, and another six years at the Caldwell County Sheriff’s Office. He graduated from the Kentucky State Police (KSP) Academy as Valedictorian of Class #89 in 2011. During his esteemed career, he also received the KSP Trooper of the Year and KSP Citation for Bravery both in 2014, among numerous other awards and recognitions.

Cash earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration from Murray State in 2003, and his wife Michelle Moore Cash earned her bachelor’s degree in nursing from Murray State in 1994.

Chief Deputy Jody Cash lost his life in the line of duty on May 16, 2022. Throughout his life, he was known for giving back to his community in many ways through his support of a variety of local charitable organizations. By establishing this scholarship, his family and friends continue that tradition by supporting students from the local high schools and helping them obtain an education in their pursuit of a law enforcement career. 

"We are very grateful to the family for establishing this memorial scholarship for Chief Deputy Jody Cash,” said Murray State President Dr. Bob Jackson. “This scholarship will be a wonderful legacy for Jody who left an indelible mark on the University, his family and friends and everyone he worked with during his lifetime."

“Our community has always held a special place in the heart of Max’s 641 Towing Family and especially with the young children and their families who struggle each day,” said Monty McCuiston of Towing for Toys. “Towing for Toys strives each year to provide those children with toys and other needs at Christmas. Chief Deputy Jody Cash shared those same feelings with our young children and we couldn’t think of any better way to honor his legacy than to establish a memorial scholarship fund for our local high school graduates that want to further their education and pursue a career in law enforcement. It is not only an honor but a privilege for us to continue our mission and provide support to our community while honoring our fallen hero. Jody not only served and protected our community, he was also a servant leader in our community.”

“Thank you to Monty McCuiston for taking the initiative to establish a scholarship to honor Jody and to the Murray State Foundation for assisting in the process,” said Michelle Moore Cash. “Education was an important component in Jody’s life and to be able to financially assist incoming freshmen in pursuing a degree at Murray State would be a high priority for him. He daily lived his mantra of helping others whether it was changing a tire for someone stranded on the side of the road or anonymously buying someone’s lunch. I join Monty in honoring a selfless man who took his oath to his profession seriously. He would be humbled by this endeavor. I encourage family and friends to join us with a contribution to his scholarship whenever you choose.”

The next application period for the scholarship will open in September for the fall of 2024.

For more information on how to apply for the scholarship or any other scholarship at Murray State, please call the Scholarship Office at 270-809-3225 or 800-272-4678 or contact the office by email at msu.scholarships@murraystate.edu.

Contributions to the scholarship fund can be made by contacting the Murray State University Office of Development at 270-809-3001 or by making a secure gift online at  https://murraystate.edu/give.