Scholarship fund in honor of Eugene Meade established at Southeast

Southeast Kentucky Community and Technical College has announced the creation of a scholarship fund in honor of the late Eugene Meade, who served as director of the institution’s Whitesburg Campus from 1990—2010.

Mr. Meade began his career at the College as a counselor in the Upward Bound Program in Cumberland, where he worked with high school students to help prepare them for entry into higher education. 

Dr. Bruce Ayers, who was college president when Mr. Meade was hired to head the Whitesburg Campus, said it was his success in the pre-college program and the way in which he related to students and their parents that made him a leading candidate for the role. 

“And once he said he was interested, I never considered anyone else for the position,” he said.  “It turned out to be great decision.  Eugene brought terrific leadership skills and a special connection to the community that served both the campus and the College extremely well.”

Ayers’ sentiments were echoed by Dr. Vic Adams, the College’s current president.  “Under Eugene’s leadership, Whitesburg became one of our strongest campuses—not only at the College but throughout the Kentucky Community and Technical College System. He went above and beyond to serve the Letcher County community on numerous boards and organizations.”

On accepting the Letcher County Unsung Heroes Award late in his career, Mr. Meade noted that he didn’t get involved in working with community organizations for the recognition.  “I think of being involved in this manner as part and parcel to my role with the College. The community and College are tied together in many respects—helping one helps the other,” he said.

Under Mr. Meade’s leadership, the campus grew from one to three buildings and added a number of new programs, including respiratory care and radiography, in addition to establishing 2+2 programs—partnerships allowing the College to offer 4-year degrees.

In addition to his work with students, he was also known for tutoring younger co-workers.  Deborah Young, who succeeded Mr. Meade as director of the Whitesburg Campus, credits him with inspiring her to continue her education so she could move up in administration:  “And it was not just me that Eugene helped, but several others as well, and this includes faculty as well as staff.”

Dr. Michelle Dykes-Anderson, vice president for institutional advancement at Southeast, credits Mr. Meade’s wife Sharon for helping to lay the groundwork for the new scholarship program:  “Not only did she make an initial financial contribution to help establish the fund, but she has worked alongside us every step of the way.”

In order to be eligible for the Eugene Meade Memorial Scholarship, students must demonstrate excellence in their program of study and maintain a 3.0 grade point average.

Individuals interested in donating to the scholarship fund should contact Dr. Dykes-Anderson at (606) 589-3164 or Michele.Dykes-Anderson@kctcs.edu; gifts are accepted through the mail (Attn: Monique Allen), 700 College Road, Cumberland, KY 40823, or online at www.southeast.kctcs.edu/giving.  All gifts are tax deductible.