First recipient of the Steve and Elizabeth Pierson Endowed Scholarship

MURRAY, Ky. – Murray State University has announced the first recipient of the Steve and Elizabeth Pierson Endowed Scholarship. Established in 2019 by gifts from the Piersons and Voya Foundation, the scholarship was designed to assist students from Jackson County, Illinois with a desire to attend Murray State. Sydney Allen, a graduate from Trico Senior High School in Campbell Hill, Illinois, has been awarded the scholarship for the 2023-24 academic year. Allen is an Illinois State Scholar and plans to study political science and legal studies when she begins her freshman year at Murray State this fall. 

Both Steve and Elizabeth Pierson graduated from Murray State in 1984; Steve with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting, and Elizabeth with a Bachelor of Science in Education. The value for education runs deeply in the Pierson family. Steve grew up in Jackson County, Illinois and attended Murphysboro High School, where his mother Thelma Pierson taught for many years. In addition to Steve’s mother serving as a life-long teacher, many of Steve’s other relatives are also educators. This scholarship has allowed the family to make a difference in the lives of young people pursuing their own educational dreams. 

In addition to being Murray State alumni, the Piersons have a strong devotion to Murray State. Their education at Murray State set them both on paths of professional success – Elizabeth in the field of education teaching elementary and middle school students, including those with special needs and Steve on a decades-long career with senior positions in accounting, finance and business in Atlanta, Georgia. While students at Murray State, they both participated in many campus activities including Greek life, Student Government Association, Student Ambassadors and many others. Two of their children, Christopher and Ashley, both graduated from Murray State in 2012, and their third child graduated from the University of Georgia in 2019. 

"Steve and Elizabeth have left a wonderful legacy by assisting the next generation of Murray State University students,” said Murray State President Dr. Bob Jackson. “The Piersons are some of our most devoted Racer fans and they have a deep commitment to education and supporting students from Steve's home region of southern Illinois. We are deeply grateful for their long-time dedication and friendship."          

The next application period for the Steve and Elizabeth Pierson Endowed Scholarship will open in September for the fall of 2024.

For more information on how to apply for the scholarship or other scholarships at Murray State, contact 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 Steve and Elizabeth Pierson Endowed 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 murraystate.edu/give.