News
Contact: Kallie Bienvenu
kbienvenu@cfmt.org
615-321-4939
December 23, 2009
Retired NFL Coach and MTSU Graduate Ken Shipp Establishes Scholarship Fund
Rutherford County, Tenn. – Ken Shipp, of Murfreesboro, Tenn., has established a new scholarship fund within The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee to benefit Rutherford County public school students attending his alma mater, Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU).
Born and raised in Murfreesboro, Shipp graduated from Murfreesboro Central High School and attended MTSU in the 1940s, playing football at both schools. Known to most people now as Coach Shipp, the Murfreesboro native earned an undergraduate degree in physical education and a master’s degree from Peabody College, before beginning his coaching career at the college level.
After stints at several colleges, including the University of Tulsa, Coach Shipp moved to the National Football League and served as offensive coordinator with the Houston Oilers, New Orleans Saints, Detroit Lions, and the New York Jets. Shipp was appointed head coach during his tenure with the New York Jets, where he coached quarterback Joe Namath.
“Looking back over my career, I credit my success to my Rutherford County roots and the fine education I received at MTSU,” Shipp said.
Shipp said he came back to Murfreesboro later in life because it is his hometown, and he wants to give back to help people in the community. “I want scholarships to help students that need it most, and I want to see them go on and do good in the world,” said Shipp.
The Ken Shipp Scholarship will be awarded in spring 2010 to Rutherford County public school students attending MTSU. High schools seniors are encouraged to apply and may reapply annually for the remainder of their MTSU college career.
Call The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee at 615-321-4939 to learn more about scholarship opportunities and applications, or visit www.cfmt.org. Tax-deductible contributions of any size can be made to scholarships funds at The Community Foundation at PO Box 440225, Nashville, TN 37244, or online at www.cfmt.org.
About The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee
The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee oversees 725 charitable funds, including more than 60 scholarship funds. In the past 18 years, The Community Foundation has distributed $460 million to community programs and institutions. It is located at 3833 Cleghorn Avenue, #400, Nashville, Tennessee 37215. For more information, call 615-321-4939 or visit www.cfmt.org.
Learn about eligibility for this scholarship
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