MSU establishes the Badgett Family Teacher Education Program for aspiring educators

MURRAY, Ky. – Murray State University announced the establishment of the Badgett Family Teacher Education Program as approved by the Murray State University Board of Regents on Dec. 13, 2024.

The program will play an essential role in shaping the future of education, providing students with the skills and experiences necessary to thrive in the classroom and make a lasting impact in the field. 

The Badgett family’s enhanced support for the College of Education and Human Services will significantly expand scholarship opportunities and help ease the financial burden of teacher education, covering essential costs such as background checks, PRAXIS exams and student teaching expenses.

The Badgett family is among Murray State’s most supportive donors with a passion for supporting education in the region. The Badgett family has previously established three scholarship funds within the College of Education and Human Services, which have been instrumental in supporting aspiring teachers.  

Most recently, the Badgett family has increased their support with a new multi-year commitment to the College of Education and Human Services at Murray State.

"Our family chose to make this commitment at this time because it is our continued belief that the impact of educators goes far beyond the classroom,” said Rhea Badgett Ashby, vice president of the J. Rogers Badgett Sr. Foundation. “We are very grateful to Murray State University and the College of Education and Human Services for providing amazing resources to our communities. We are happy to partner with each other in this way." 

The Badgett family scholarships include the Rogers Badgett Sr. Undergraduate Education Scholarship, the Rogers Badgett Sr. Graduate Education Scholarship, the Badgett Family Professional Development School Fellowship and the newly established Rogers Badgett Sr. Student Assistance Fund, which will work to eliminate the barriers of entry aspiring teachers face.

With their latest commitment, the family has increased funding for these scholarships and established endowed professorships in each teacher education area. The Badgett Family Endowed Professorships include the Badgett Family Endowed Professorship in Adolescent, Career and Special Education, the Badgett Family Endowed Professorship in Early Childhood and Elementary Education, the Badgett Family Endowed Professorship for the Madisonville Educational Coordinator (2+2 Program) and the Badgett Family Student Fellowship, which will assist graduate assistants in the Educational Studies, Leadership and Counseling program. 

Dr. David Whaley, dean of the College of Education and Human Services, stated, "The Badgett family has always prioritized the highest quality of education, which, through their generous donations, ensures the highest levels of preparation for teacher candidates.  We, and our students, benefit greatly from the opportunities provided through the Badgett generosity.”

The College of Education and Human Services has prepared a significant portion of the teaching workforce in western Kentucky, with 74% of teachers in the 18-county region being Murray State graduates. The Badgett family’s support will ensure that this legacy of educational excellence continues.

Murray State University’s Be Bold: Forever Blue & Gold Centennial Campaign seeks to provide student support and academic excellence through endowed professorships. Individuals who would like to join the Badgett family’s commitment or discuss their impact on the next generation of educators can reach out to Brandon Anderson, director of development for the College of Education and Human Services, at 270-809-3026, banderson26@murraystate.edu, or visit murraystate.edu/giving.