Holt Scholar Edwards Wants To Invest In Others

By Chandra Harris-McCray
(appeared in spring 2009 Alumnus)

Rachel Edwards counts her blessings every day.

She always thought she would go to college in her home state of North Carolina. But after a college visit to the University of Tennessee “I knew this is where I wanted to be. My heart was set on UT. I felt like the staff and professors wanted me here,” said Edwards.

She began stocking her closet with orange-and-white paraphernalia. But the elation she felt upon being accepted to UT was countered by a more practical concern: how she and her family would pay for it.

Edwards was in tears after learning she was on a financial aid waiting list with dozens of other students. Her tears of disappointment turned to joy when she received a phone call weeks later informing her that she had been chosen to receive the Andrew D. Holt Scholarship, named in honor of former UT president Dr. Andy Holt. The most generous scholarship awarded by the UT Alumni Association, the Holt Scholarship provides $20,000 ($5,000 per year for four years) at UT’s campuses at Chattanooga, Knoxville, and Martin. At the UT Health Science Center the stipend ranges from $4,000 to $10,000 per year based on the tuition and fees of the college the scholar enrolls in. Along with the financial support, UT scholarship winners are invited to be part of the prestigious Chancellor’s Honors Program.

With the good news, Edwards and her family couldn’t stop singing “Rocky Top.” The university’s fight song has found a special place in the heart of Edwards. “Before I stepped on campus as a freshman so many people at UT were there to help me get where I wanted and needed to be,” said Edwards, who is a senior in communication studies. “Not only did the gift of the scholarship motivate me to do well academically, but I knew I wanted to give back immediately and pay back the kindness and investment that was made in me.”

In her sophomore and junior years, Edwards was a resident assistant, hoping to  “encourage freshmen the way others had done for me,” she said. Edwards, who plans to continue her graduate studies at UT, is also involved in the university’s award-winning Student Alumni Associates program and Campus Crusade for Christ.

“Just like so many have invested in me, I want to spend my life investing in others,” said Edwards.