Trailblazing Female Biologist Alumna Gives Back to Today鈥檚 Science Students
Donors
The estate of Dr. Beulah Mae 鈥淏oots鈥� Ashbrook (鈥�55)
Gift
A generous trust gift to establish the Beulah M. 鈥淏oots鈥� Ashbrook Endowed Scholarship Fund
Impact
This scholarship will provide financial assistance to Murray State students majoring in biology or medical science.
Inspiration
A native of Arlington, Kentucky, Ashbrook, or 鈥淏oots鈥� as she preferred to be called, came to Murray State on a home economics scholarship but soon changed her major to biology. She graduated in 1955 and went on to receive additional degrees from Duke University, the University of Tennessee Memphis and the University of Tennessee Knoxville before blazing a trail in the fields of biology and medical science at a time when few women were accepted in those professions. She taught at many different universities and excelled in the field of medical laboratory research and education in this area. She established the University of Tennessee鈥檚 graduate program in pathology, did research for the American Medical Association鈥檚 Department of Allied Health, and served as the Director of Education for the American Society of Allied Health Professions. In that role, she developed and implemented faculty development institutes in 25 states for over 1000 health professionals. Because she believed that her education at Murray State laid the groundwork for her amazing career in research, teaching, and administration, she wanted to give back in a way that would help do the same for future generations of students, especially those with financial need.