Forest Country News

A new scholarship allows graduates of Tyler Junior College (TJC) to easily transfer to Southern Methodist University (SMU), per reports from Tyler-based media outlets. 

Tyler CBS affiliate KYTX reported that the namesake family behind Brookshire Grocery Co. made donations toward the scholarship, which also bears the Brookshire name.

SMU President Dr. R. Gerald Turner touted the success community college transfers have at the private university in Dallas. 

“We are committed to making an SMU education available to more outstanding students, regardless of means, and this generous gift of a scholarship endowment from the Brookshires will open a wider path for TJC students,” Turner said, KYTX reported. 

According to the station, TJC will award the Brookshire Scholarship to one student each fall semester.

The recipient has use of the scholarship for two and a half academic years, or the equivalent of five semesters, or until they graduate. 

Tyler NBC affiliate KETK reported that SMU has taken in a dozen transfers from TJC during the previous half-decade, and leaders of both schools are hoping the Brookshire Scholarship will boost the figure. 

“We are elated by the opportunity to strengthen our partnership with SMU,” Dr. Juan E. Mejia said in the report. “We are convinced that this important scholarship will make history through the countless success stories that will be made possible by Ann and Brad Brookshire.”

Brad and Ann Brookshire are SMU graduates as are their three sons, KYTX reported.

“The education and experiences that Ann and I received through what is now SMU’s Cox School of Business have been of huge benefit throughout our careers,” Brad Brookshire said, the station reported. “We are so pleased to help open this door for TJC students.”

Per KYTX, Mejia said it’s an honor to work with the Brookshires.

“The Brookshires truly care for others, and it shows in the way they invest their talents and resources,” the administrator said in the report. “Regardless of how busy they are, they always make time to learn about the specific details of students and community members, so that they can identify ways to be of service."