New scholarship for bachelor's degree completion programs available
Monday, July 10, 2023 | Written by Beth Jones
OLATHE — Kansas State University Olathe is pleased to announce a scholarship for hospitality management and personal financial planning students this fall.
The Clay Blair Family Scholarship Award provides up to $3,000 per student and will be distributed over the first two-to-three semesters of enrollment.
The scholarship is provided by long-time education advocate Clay C. Blair, who was the former chairman of the Kansas Board of Regents and the first chair of the Kansas Bioscience Authority, which launched in 2004 with the goal of advancing Kansas’ leadership in bioscience and bringing additional growth opportunities to the Johnson County area. During his time as the chair for both organizations, Blair continued to advocate for the growth and development of science and technology in Kansas through higher education and a skilled workforce.
“Anyone who has met Clay Blair knows that he is passionate about how Kansas’ educational institutions transform lives and communities,” said Ben Wolfe, dean and CEO of K-State Olathe. “The newly established Clay Blair Family Scholarship Award at K-State Olathe is just the latest in a long list of his efforts to support and increase accessibility to higher education.”
In 2021, Blair was named the Johnson Countian of the year due to his ongoing contributions to education in the Johnson County community. His previous philanthropic efforts include donations to KU Edwards, Johnson County Community College, the Olathe School District and St. James Academy. In addition to financial contributions, Blair also donated land for the KU Edwards campus and the Carolyn Ball Blair Wilderness Science Center.
“Thanks to the support and generosity of the Blair family, our new students will have additional opportunities to complete their programs without financial concerns,” Wolfe said. “We have the utmost gratitude for this contribution and look forward to seeing this scholarship open new opportunities and career pathways for our students.”
In order to qualify for the Clay Blair Family Scholarship Award, students must be newly admitted to a K-State Olathe bachelor’s degree completion program for the 2023-2024 school year. Priority will be given to students based on their admittance date and will be awarded while funds remain available.
To learn more or apply, contact the K-State Olathe student services team at ksuolathe@k-state.edu.