Lincoln Memorial University (LMU) has announced the establishment of the Ralph and Dixie Bledsoe Scholarship, created by Donald and Teresa Stinson of Clayton, Indiana. The scholarship honors Teresa’s late parents, Ralph and Dixie Bledsoe, longtime residents of Pennington Gap, Virginia, and celebrates their enduring legacy in Lee County.
The scholarship will be awarded annually to undergraduate students from Lee County, Virginia, with preference given to those demonstrating the greatest financial need. The award reflects the Stinsons’ commitment to expanding educational opportunities for students from the region Teresa calls home.
The impact of the scholarship is already being felt on campus. Emma Hobbs of Lee County has been named the inaugural recipient for the 2025–2026 academic year. Hobbs, now in her second year of LMU’s Pre-Veterinary Program, plans to attend veterinary school after graduating.
In a handwritten note to the Stinsons, Hobbs expressed her appreciation, describing how their gift is making a tangible difference in her educational journey and reinforcing her commitment to giving back in the future.
“I’m in my second year of Lincoln Memorial University’s Pre-Veterinary Program. I hope to go to Lincoln Memorial’s very own Veterinary School after I graduate,” said Hobbs. “Your scholarship allows me to work towards this dream and for that I’m truly grateful. I hope to be as generous as you in the future.”
For Teresa, the scholarship serves as a lasting tribute to her parents’ lives and the community they cherished. Ralph and Dixie Bledsoe were known throughout Pennington Gap for their strong ties to the area and their dedication to family and community.
Through this meaningful act of philanthropy, the Stinsons are helping ensure that future generations of Lee County students have access to the same transformative opportunities that LMU provides.
Lincoln Memorial University is a values-based learning community dedicated to providing educational experiences in the liberal arts and professional studies. The main campus is in Harrogate, Tennessee. For more information about the undergraduate and graduate programs available at LMU, contact the Office of Admissions at 423-869-6280 or email at admissions@lmunet.edu.
