MURFREESBORO, TN — On August 7, 2026, the June S. Anderson (JSA) Foundation awarded scholarships to four women with compelling stories of perseverance and courage as they journey to complete their college degrees. These prestigious awards provide 1-2 semesters of full tuition and fees for nontraditional female students at Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) who are overcoming significant obstacles to achieve their professional dreams in careers typically underrepresented by females. Congratulations to Jessica Alsup (Business Administration), Savannah Metoyer (Music Industry-Violin), Meg Thorp (Biochemistry), and Joyceann Smith (Criminal Justice).

Established in 1982, JSA continues the mission of its founder, Dr. June S. Anderson, a trailblazing chemistry professor at MTSU who dedicated her life to academic equity. Today, the scholarship focuses on empowering “disadvantaged” female students – specifically those balancing full-time work, single motherhood, or financial hardship – while pursuing degrees at MTSU.

JSA focuses on Disadvantaged Students & Underrepresented Fields

The Foundation recognizes that “nontraditional” students often face unique systemic and personal hurdles. Recent recipients have included single parents, career-changers, and first-generation students majoring in fields such as: Aviation Management; Criminal Justice; Animal, Plant, and Soil Science; Agribusiness; and STEM.

“Our goal is to remove the financial barriers that often prevent talented, nontraditional students from completing their degrees,” said the Foundation’s Board of Directors. “These women often balance work, family, and studies; the June S. Anderson scholarship allows them to focus on their academic goals and professional futures.”

Scholarship recipients had these comments:
“I currently balance school with three jobs, and receiving this scholarship is allowing me to cut back on the number of hours I work so I can dedicate more time to school and research. After graduating from MTSU, I plan to attend graduate school and pursue a career in bioinformatics. I look forward to contributing to meaningful scientific research that hopefully makes a difference in people’s lives.”

“I was deeply honored to be selected as a recipient of the June S. Anderson Scholarship. This scholarship is more than just financial support—it is a meaningful validation of my academic journey, hard work, and dedication to completing my degree.  This scholarship reinforces my commitment to excellence and inspires me to pay forward the encouragement I’ve received by supporting and empowering others in my community.”

“Receiving this scholarship is such an honor and a blessing. Knowing that the June S. Anderson Foundation believes in me and my academic dreams is beyond heartwarming. With this sentiment, it makes me feel I can tackle anything that I pray and put my mind to.”

About the June S. Anderson Foundation:

The June S. Anderson Foundation is a private, non-profit organization independent of the university’s state-funded programs. Over 40 years, JSA has awarded more than $475K in scholarships to help women overcome barriers to higher education. It remains one of the few organizations in the region dedicated exclusively to the advancement of nontraditional female students.