Dr. Martha Lavender Establishes Endowed Scholarship to Support Future Gadsden State Students
(By Lee Evancho/Calhoun Journal)
GADSDEN, AL — The Gadsden State Cardinal Foundation has announced the establishment of the Dr. Martha and Tim Lavender Endowed Scholarship, created by former Gadsden State Community College President Dr. Martha Lavender to benefit graduates of Hokes Bluff High School who plan to attend Gadsden State.
Dr. Lavender’s gift will establish a permanent scholarship fund designed to provide financial assistance to qualifying students from Hokes Bluff High School. As an endowed scholarship, the fund will be invested, with annual earnings used to award scholarships to students while the original principal remains intact. This structure allows the scholarship to support students for years to come.
Dr. Lavender served as president of Gadsden State Community College from 2015 to 2020 and has spent much of her career focused on expanding educational access across the region. She said the scholarship reflects both her commitment to education and appreciation for the community she has served.
“Education changes lives, families, and entire communities,” Lavender said. “I have seen firsthand the difference that access to higher education can make. It is my hope that this endowed scholarship will remove financial barriers for students from Hokes Bluff High School and encourage them to pursue their goals with confidence.”
Endowed scholarships are designed to provide long-term support by investing the principal and distributing a portion of the earnings each year to recipients. This model allows scholarships to continue indefinitely, providing sustained opportunities for future students.
According to the Gadsden State Cardinal Foundation, the scholarship will begin awarding funds during the 2026–2027 academic year.
Hillary Folsom, director of advancement and alumni relations for the Gadsden State Cardinal Foundation, said endowed scholarships represent an important investment in student success.
“Endowed scholarships represent one of the most powerful investments a donor can make in education,” Folsom said. “Because the funds are permanently invested, they provide reliable, long-term support for students. Dr. Lavender’s generosity will impact not just one student, but countless Hokes Bluff graduates for decades to come.”
Scholarship assistance often plays a significant role for students pursuing higher education while managing financial responsibilities. Through the creation of this endowment, Dr. Lavender aims to help ensure that students from Hokes Bluff High School continue to have access to educational opportunities at Gadsden State.
The Gadsden State Cardinal Foundation works to secure private resources that support student success, expand educational opportunities, and strengthen the college’s impact across its service region.
