Foundation

Scholarships are available through the Foundation for current SU students as well as incoming freshmen.

The following scholarships are available:

Southern Union Foundation Scholarship or
Foundation Special Circumstance Scholarship

 Application Criteria:

• open to incoming freshmen or currently enrolled students
• must demonstrate financial need and leadership/community service
• GPA of 3.0 or higher is required
• must provide one letter of support

The Special Circumstance Scholarship is available to currently enrolled students. Students applying for a special circumstance scholarship mus be recommended by a faculty or staff member who will provide a letter of support. 

Southern Union Foundation Scholarship Application

Auburn/Opelika Elks Lodge #1834 Scholarship

Established by the Auburn/Opelika Elks Lodge, this scholarship is administered by the SUSCC Foundation to provide educational opportunities to bolster economic and community vitality and to provide more skilled workers for the East Alabama area.

Applicants must have completed 2 semesters at SUSCC with a minimum of a 2.5 GPA. A certified transcript must be included. Preference will be given to Veterans and Legacy Elks (if your parent, grandparent, or sibling is/was an Elk). Proper military documentation or Elk Lodge and member number is required.

Auburn/Opelika Elks Lodge #1834 Scholarship Application

Betty and Jim Cleveland Memorial Scholarship

Open to freshmen or currently enrolled students, the Jim and Betty Cleveland Memorial Scholarship is given to a student who demonstrates financial need. A GPA of 3.0 or higher is required. Preference is given to a Wadley High School student or resident of Randolph County. 

 Application Criteria:

• open to incoming freshmen or currently enrolled students
• must demonstrate financial need and leadership/community service
• GPA of 3.0 or higher is required
• must provide one letter of support

Betty and Jim Cleveland Memorial Scholarship Application

Charles E Battle Scholarship

Charles E. Battle was born and raised in Randolph County, Alabama. He devoted 46 years of service to Southern Union State Community College. He was devoted and loved by many including his family, friends, and co-workers. During his time at SUSCC, he encouraged many students to pursue their goals through all walks of life. The Charles E. Battle Scholarship will be our way to carry out his legacy.

This scholarship will be awarded to one recipient from the Randolph County area who plans to enroll for classes at Southern Union State Community College. This is a one-time, non-renewable award of $500.00 for fall semester. The scholarship will be set up as an account for the student by the business office to be used for tuition, fees, or books as needed.

The deadline for the application packet to be turned in is March 1st of each year. The scholarship recipient will be notified by mid- April of each year. The scholarship must be used during the upcoming Fall semester.

Application Criteria:

• Must be pursuing a degree/certification program with Southern Union State Community College
• Minimum 2.5 overall GPA
• Complete the application form
• On a separate sheet of paper, type a double-spaced essay of no more than 500 words that explains how this scholarship would be beneficial in your pursuit of your educational goals.
• Provide one letter of recommendation. The letter of recommendation should not come from family members or from a member of the scholarship selection committee
• An unofficial copy of your transcript must be turned in with the application
• Place the application, essay, letter of recommendation, and the transcript in one large envelope and turn it in to
  Ms. Wendy Battle on the Opelika Campus at the following address by March 1st.
  • Southern Union State Community College
    Ms. Wendy Battle – Financial Aid Office
    301 Lake Condy Road Opelika, AL 36801

Charles E Battle Scholarship Application

Chris Mitchum Memorial Scholarship

Sponsored and funded by The Law Firm of Kesa M. Johnston, LLC.

The Chris Mitchum Memorial Scholarship is hereby established to promote the education and advancement of a Randolph County or Handley High School student who will attend Southern Union State Community College pursuing a degree or certification in the performing or fine arts or other areas that provide for use of metals, wood and other materials to create usable tools and art.

Application Criteria:

1. The scholarship is open to first-time freshmen who have been accepted for enrollment by SUSCC following graduation from Handley High School or a Randolph County High School.
2. Applicants must be a high school senior with good standing at a local Randolph County/Roanoke City Schools. The student must have passing grades, no record of any serious disciplinary action, and must be considered by the school to be a good citizen of the community.
3. Applicants must have a minimum 3.0 GPA and demonstrate a need for financial aid.

This scholarship is sponsored and funded by The Law Firm of Kesa M. Johnston, LLC. More information can be found at https://kmj.law/history/

Chris Mitchum Memorial Scholarship Guidelines & Information

Chris Mitchum Memorial Scholarship Application

Donna Hall Scholarship 

The Donna Hall Scholarship (supported by Remax Lakefront, Wedowee) is awarded annually to a future educator who is acquiring the pedagogy and methodology to teach a rigorous, real-world curriculum, wants to inspire students to be successful, independent, critical thinkers, and understands the importance of building a positive and respectful teacher-student relationship.  The amount of the scholarship is $2020, with one half paid at the beginning of fall and spring semester, respectively.

Application Criteria:

• This scholarship is open to any incoming freshman or full-time Southern Union State Community College student who displays academic excellence as well as a desire to pursue a career in the field of education.
• Applicants must have and maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA (an unofficial copy of high school or SUSCC transcript must be provided.)
• Preference will be given to students from Randolph County.
• One letter of recommendation must accompany the application.
• Submit an essay of less than 500 words explaining career goals and how this scholarship will help achieve the goals.
• Attach copies of Honors, Awards, Special Recognitions or Community/Church Involvement events.

Donna Hall Scholarship Application

Emily Durham Hudson Memorial Scholarship 

The Emily Hudson Scholarship was established in 2016 by the family of the late Emily Hudson.  Mrs. Hudson valued education, and to honor her memory, the scholarship will be awarded annually to one student who displays academic excellence as well as a desire to complete their education in the field of education or medicine. 

Application criteria:

• open to incoming freshmen or currently enrolled students
• applicant must have a maintain a 3.0 GPA to be eligible
• one letter of recommendation must accompany the application

Emily Durham Hudson Memorial Scholarship Application

Gift of Hope Scholarship

The Gift of Hope Scholarship is awarded to a nursing student who exemplifies a deep desire to minister/help/ heal people mentally, physically, and emotionally.

A total of two scholarships in the amount of $500 each will be awarded each fall and  spring semester to ADN students. To be eligible, students must have completed at least two semesters in their program of study with a minimum of 2.5 GPA. This is a one-time, non-renewable award.  

Gift of Hope Scholarship

Goodwill Gap Scholarship

The Goodwill Gap Scholarship is made possible by a donation from Goodwill Industries of the Southern Rivers. It is designed to bridge the gap that often exists between a student’s financial aid package and the total cost of tuition, books, etc.

In addition to the application, please submit an essay explaining why you would be a good candidate for the scholarship. This is your opportunity to tell us your story. Cover topics such as: What obstacles personal and/or financial have you overcome to acquire an education? Why are you pursuing higher education? What degree or certificate program are you pursuing and why? What are your career goals? How will this scholarship help you achieve your personal, academic, and professional goals? Essays should be typed, (Arial or Times New Roman, 12pt font, double spaced), between 300 – 500 words, and must be attached to your application.

Goodwill Gap Scholarship Application

Inspire Scholarship

see Melinda Clanton in Health Sciences Division for an Application

To be eligible, students must meet the following requirements:

• Completed at least one year of college and be admitted into Paramedic, Surgical Technology, Radiologic Technology, or Nursing Program
• Enrolled in the Health Sciences Program on the Opelika Campus
• Minimum GPA of 2.75.
• Minimum course load = 7 credit hours/semester
• Preference will be given to Lee County, Chambers County, and Russell County residents.
• This is a one-time, non-renewable award applicable to tuition, fees, and books.

John Edgar Excellence in Mathematics Scholarship

 The John Edgar Excellence in Mathematics Scholarship will be awarded to one student each year who is majoring in a STEM related field. This is a one-time, non-renewable award of $500.00 for fall semester and $500.00 for spring semester. 

Application Criteria:

•  Must be pursuing a degree in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics.
•  Successfully Completed Math 112 or higher.
•  Must have completed two semesters at SUSCC with a minimum of 6 credit hours each semester.
•  Minimum 3.0 overall GPA

John Edgar Excellence in Mathematics Scholarship 

Wes Kinsey Memorial Scholarship 

A total of four scholarships in the amount of $250 each shall be awarded. Scholarships shall be awarded to one student from each of the four high schools in Randolph County (Woodland High School, Wadley High School, Randolph County High School and Handley High School) who demonstrate an interest in fine arts. The one time award will be awarded for Fall Semester. Funds shall be used to cover tuition and fees or textbooks.

Wes Kinsey Memorial Scholarship 

William and Mary Sue Tatum Memorial Scholarship

The William and Mary Sue Tatum Memorial Scholarship is hereby established to promote the education and advancement of any High School student in Randolph County who will attend Southern Union State Community College.

William K. and Mary Watson Tatum exemplified a life dedicated to serving others. Being obedient to the commands of their God, they sought to give of themselves without reservation and through their dedicated service impacted the lives of many. Though they chose different paths of service, they gave unselfishly and we are bettered because of their devotion.

Application Criteria:

1. The scholarship is open to first-time freshmen who have been accepted for enrollment by SUSCC following graduation from a High School in Randolph County, Alabama.
2. Applicants must be a high school senior with good standing at their High School in Randolph County, Alabama. The student must have passing grades, no record of any serious disciplinary action, and must be considered by their High school to be a good citizen of the community.
3. Applicants must have a minimum 3.0 GPA.
4. Applicants must demonstrate a need for financial aid.

This scholarship is sponsored and funded by The Law Firm of Kesa M. Johnston, LLC. More information can be found at https://kmj.law/history/

William and Mary Sue Tatum Memorial Scholarship - Information and Application Guidelines

William and Mary Sue Tatum Memorial Scholarship Application

Dual Enrollment Scholarships

Southern Union offers dual-enrollment opportunities for high school students on their own high school campus or on any SUSCC campus.  Dual-enrollment credit means that the course you take through the college will count towards credits for your high school diploma as well as college credit for your future college degree. A limited number of scholarships for Dual Enrollment Students are available through the Southern Union Foundation. 

Dual Enrollment Scholarship Application 

With your help we are able to turn dreams into reality and students into graduates. Whether a one-time donation, a recurring gift, or through planned giving, you are making a difference in the lives of our students.     

Have you considered planned giving?

Planned giving is a way to leave a lasting legacy. We welcome bequests through your will or trust.  A bequest is one of the easiest gifts to make. With the help of an advisor, you can include language in your will or trust specifying a gift be made to Southern Union Foundation as part of your estate plan.

For more information, please call Shondae Brown at 256-395-2211 ext. 5145 or email sbrown@suscc.edu.

Checks can be mailed to:

Southern Union Foundation
PO Box 1000
Wadley, AL 36276

Online Donations:

Make an online donation to the Foundation.  

Amazon Smile:

Also, don't forget as you shop on Amazon to use smile.amazon.com/ch/45-1333982. Each purchase generates a donation that goes to The Foundation. 

Mr. Gerald Dial – Board Chair

State Senator, Retired

Mr. David Proctor – Vice-Chair

Publisher, The Clay Times-Journal

Dr. Carol Knight – Secretary/Treasurer

Retired Educator

Mrs. Oline Price

Lee County Revenue Commissioner

Bishop Lathonia Wright

Randolph County Commission

Honorable Gary Fuller

Mayor, Opelika, AL

Dr. Kelli Hodge

Superintendent, Chambers County Schools

Mr. Jared Kirby

President, First Bank

Mr. John Harmon

Steve Morris Law Office

Rep. Bob Fincher

State Representative