Scientist, educator, feminist, philanthropist, and founder of the June S. Anderson Foundation—Dr. June Anderson devoted much of her life to improving opportunities for women. In 1975 she founded the Concerned Faculty and Administrative Women, an organization successful in improving the status of women at Middle Tennessee State University. In 1977, she established the Women’s Information and Services Center at MTSU, the forerunner of the university’s Women’s Center, which now bears her name. In 1982, Dr. Anderson established the Women’s Studies Program at MTSU, and at the state level, she was founding mother and first president of WHET (Women in Higher Education in Tennessee).
June Anderson, a native of Ripley, Tennessee, received her degrees in biology and chemistry from George Peabody College and Florida State University, and did post-doctoral work at the University of Arkansas. As Professor of Chemistry at MTSU for over twenty-five years, Dr. Anderson encouraged women students to enter nontraditional fields of study, such as science and mathematics. In 1982 she established the June S. Anderson Foundation, which awards scholarships to MTSU students majoring in programs of study underrepresented by women. Dr. Anderson lived just long enough to see the first two JSA Scholarships awarded. Now hundreds of scholarships later, women continue to benefit from Dr. Anderson’s legacy.
Established in honor of June S. Anderson, the June S. Anderson Foundation was created to expand access to higher education for women enrolled at Middle Tennessee State University who are preparing for careers in fields where women remain underrepresented. The Foundation carries forward Ms. Anderson’s commitment to education, opportunity, and long-term impact.
2024 Scholarship Winners: (Left to Right) Courtney Potts, Sydnee Sommers, Esther Benyi, and Jackie Kannady
2025 Scholarship Winners: (Left to Right) Heather Mason, Hannah Evans, and Kayla Albee
The June S. Anderson Foundation Scholarship provides full-tuition support to women age 23 and older who are enrolled at Middle Tennessee State University and pursuing degrees in fields where women are traditionally underrepresented. The scholarship is designed to reduce financial barriers for adult learners and support academic persistence, degree completion, and long-term career advancement.
Maigan Wipfli, Outstanding Mentor for Women Award recipient at MTSU.
Mary Magada-Ward, inaugural Outstanding Mentor for Women Award recipient.
The June S. Anderson Foundation annually recognizes one distinguished woman with the Outstanding Mentor for Women Award. This honor celebrates exceptional leadership and mentorship that advance opportunities for women within the community. In 2025, the award was presented to Maigan Wiplfi, and in 2024, it was awarded to Mary Magada-Ward.