Murfreesboro, TN - Four nontraditional students at Middle Tennessee State University are celebrating a major milestone in their academic journeys. Thanks to the June S. Anderson Foundation, these women—each over the age of 25 and pursuing careers in fields where women are historically underrepresented—have received full-tuition scholarships for the 2025–26 academic year.
The recipients include Sydnee Sommers of Nashville, Courtney Potts of Columbia, Jacqueline “Jackie” Kannady of Clarksville, and Esther Benyi, originally from Ghana and now living in La Vergne. Each woman brings a unique story of perseverance, ambition, and purpose to the classroom.
Courtney Potts, a criminal justice major and single mother of two, balances full-time work and advocacy for domestic violence survivors—all while maintaining a perfect GPA. She plans to attend law school and hopes to become an in-house attorney for a domestic violence center. “This scholarship helps ease the financial stress of school and allows me to stay focused,” Potts said. “It also feels like encouragement to keep pushing forward.”
Jackie Kannady, also studying criminal justice, said the scholarship was a “dream come true.” A mother of two, she’s set to graduate in December and hopes to work with special victims or in child services. “This scholarship gave me purpose to finish my bachelor’s degree,” she said.
Esther Benyi, a senior in aviation management, moved to the U.S. six years ago and has faced the challenges of adapting to a new culture while pursuing her education. “This recognition motivates me to keep striving for my dreams,” she said.
Sydnee Sommers, a self-described “California-raised surfer,” is pursuing animal science while working three jobs. Her goal is to work in the beef cattle industry. “They support the next generation of American farmers,” she said of the foundation. “I’m humbled to be a part of that legacy.”
The foundation also honored Maigan Wipfli, who leads First-Year and Nontraditional Student Engagement at MTSU, with the Outstanding Mentor for Women award. “June Anderson fought for our students no matter who they were,” Wipfli said. “I hope I’ve helped students in the same way.”
Founded in 1982 by the late chemistry professor June S. Anderson, the foundation has awarded $520,000 to 128 students over the past 43 years. Her legacy continues to empower women to break barriers and pursue their dreams.
