Morehead State University Foundation Expands Scholarship Support for Aspiring Teachers

The Ernst & Sara Lane Volgenau College of Education at Morehead State University is proud to announce a new scholarship model designed to increase access, affordability, and support for current and future educators. Beginning this academic year, all students enrolled in the Volgenau College of Education will be eligible for the Aspiring Eagle Educator Award, reinforcing the University's commitment to preparing high-quality teachers for the classroom.

The Aspiring Eagle Educator Award is available to undergraduate and graduate students who have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75 or above and have a declared major within the Volgenau College of Education. This broad-based eligibility model ensures that financial support reaches more students, helping them persist and succeed as they prepare for education careers.

"We need passionate, well-prepared teachers now more than ever," said Dr. Nicola Mason (Class of 2007), dean of the Volgenau College of Education.

"These scholarships represent our commitment to opening doors for students who feel called to teach. By reducing financial barriers, we're empowering future educators to focus on what matters most, developing the knowledge, skills, and confidence they need to make a lasting impact in classrooms and communities in Kentucky and beyond."

To qualify for the Aspiring Eagle Educator Award for Fall 2026, students must complete the following by June 15, 2026:

• Be accepted unconditionally to MSU.
• Complete the 2026–27 FAFSA.
• Declare a major in the Volgenau College of Education.
• Have a minimum high school or cumulative GPA of 2.75 or above.
• Complete the MSU Foundation Scholarship Application.

In addition, students enrolled in the Volgenau College’s MSUTeach program will benefit from an exciting new Tuition-Free Guarantee for the 2026-27 academic year. This guarantee covers tuition costs for eligible students in the program, significantly reducing financial barriers for those pursuing degrees in high-need teaching fields.

The MSU Foundation is supported by private donations from alumni, friends, and other generous supporters, ensuring that philanthropic investments directly enhance student success and academic excellence. The MSUTeach Tuition-Free Guarantee for the 2026-27 school year is made possible through the generous support of the Volgenau Scholarship Endowment.

Drs. Ernst and Sara Lane Volgenau's naming of the college and creation of this special scholarship reflect a deep commitment to educator preparation and student success. Scholarship award amounts may vary by student based on several factors, including financial eligibility.

"This scholarship model represents a transformative step for the Volgenau College of Education," said Allison Caudill (Class of 2005, 2009), CEO of the MSU Foundation. "By ensuring that every aspiring educator has access to support, and by removing tuition costs for MSUTeach students, we are investing directly in the future of our schools, our communities, and the teaching profession. And all of this is possible thanks to the generosity of our alumni and donors."

The new model aligns with MSU's broader mission to promote student access, degree completion, and workforce readiness, particularly in critical shortage areas such as education.

"Around 70% of our students come from right here in Eastern Kentucky. This region is our home, and our students are our neighbors," said Dr. Heidi Reid (Class of 2005), associate vice president for enrollment management. "We know cost matters, especially for those who feel called to become teachers, and we want families to feel confident that preparing for a career in education is both affordable and accessible. This new scholarship initiative ensures future educators don't have to choose between pursuing their passion for teaching and staying rooted in the communities they hope to serve."

Morehead State University was founded to uplift Eastern Kentucky, beginning in 1887 as the Morehead Normal School, a teacher training institution established by Frank and Phebe Button to bring “a light to the mountains.” Today, that mission continues.

To learn more about the MSU's Volgenau College of Education and its programs, please contact Dean of the Volgenau College of Education Dr. Nicola Mason at nfmason@moreheadstate.edu or call 606-783-2162.