The Murray State College Foundation is proud to announce the establishment of the Elizabeth Stobaugh Pyle Scholarship Endowment, a new, permanently endowed fund designed to provide ongoing scholarship support for deserving students at Murray State College.
The endowment is generously funded through the Elizabeth Stobaugh Pyle Foundation, a private philanthropic organization with deep roots in Tishomingo and a longstanding commitment to education in southern Oklahoma. Elizabeth Stobaugh Pyle, a native of Tishomingo and graduate of the former Murray State School of Agriculture (now Murray State College), was a lifelong advocate for higher education. The foundation in her name continues her legacy by supporting scholarships in fields such as business and nursing, reflecting the family's belief in the transformative power of accessible education.
"This endowment honors the remarkable life and values of Elizabeth Stobaugh Pyle, who believed deeply in the potential of young people from our community," said Edwin Pyle, a Director of the Elizabeth Stobaugh Pyle Foundation. "By investing in Murray State College students, we are ensuring that her commitment to education lives on for generations to come."
The Elizabeth Stobaugh Pyle Scholarship Endowment will generate annual awards to help Murray State College students overcome financial barriers and pursue their academic goals. The Murray State College Foundation will steward the funds, offering the following scholarships: Duard and Elizabeth Stobaugh Pyle Scholarship for business students, the John J. and Lovie Cox Stobaugh Scholarship for business students, the John Gomez, IV and Edwin S. Pyle Nursing Scholarship. The endowment will also fund a Faculty Enhancement grant for professional development, as well as the continuation of the Imagination Library program for the Johnston County youth.
"We are incredibly thankful to the Elizabeth Stobaugh Pyle Foundation for this meaningful gift," said Jordyn Frazier, Executive Director of the Murray State College Foundation. "Endowments like this give us sustainable support, enabling us to award scholarships every year, making a lasting impact on our students' lives and strengthening our community.
Established in 1979, The Murray State College Foundation manages more than 25 endowments and provides critical support, facilitating student scholarships, faculty development and college development. Gifts to the Foundation directly enhance student success and institutional excellence.
Murray State College President Dr. Tim Faltyn added, "Murray State College has a proud history of transforming lives through affordable, high-quality education. This new endowment from the Elizabeth Stobaugh Pyle Foundation builds on that legacy and strengthens the strong connections between our college and the families who have shaped Tishomingo for generations. We are honored to manage this gift and look forward to seeing the positive impact it will have on future Aggies."
For more information about the Elizabeth Stobaugh Pyle Scholarship Endowment or to support Murray State College students, please contact the Murray State College Foundation at (580) 387-7142 or visit www.mscok.edu/foundation.