HONORING 25 YEARS OF SERVICE AT JSCC AND A LIFELONG COMMITMENT TO SUPPORTING FUTURE STUDENTS
The James Sprunt Foundation, Inc. is dedicated to supporting James Sprunt Community College (JSCC) by enhancing academic programs, strengthening student services, and providing meaningful financial assistance through its scholarship program. Each year, the Foundation invests in students through scholarships, emergency assistance, and donor-supported initiatives guided by its Board of Directors, all with the goal of helping students succeed and achieve their educational goals.
While the Foundation welcomes all contributions, one of the most impactful ways to give is through an endowed scholarship. Once a scholarship reaches $15,000, it becomes endowed, allowing it to support students in perpetuity through the interest it generates.
The Judy Jarman Davis Memorial Scholarship was established, as a restricted scholarship, in 1996 by the Professional Administrative Resources (PAR) Group at JSCC. Ashley Graham, School-Age Education Instructor and daughter of Mrs. Davis, had a vision to endow her mom’s scholarship, leaving a lasting legacy of her mom at JSCC. Davis served James Sprunt Community College for 25 years as an administrative assistant to the College President. She was a two-time breast cancer survivor and was remembered by colleagues for her kindness, professionalism, and dedication.
Her brother-in-law, Mike Davis, shared that after graduating with honors from James Kenan High School, Judy chose JSCC as the foundation for her professional journey. She began her career at the College immediately after graduation and built a lifelong connection to the institution and its leadership. Elton Davis, husband, stated, “Judy believed in JSCC wholeheartedly and put everything she could into her job.” Following her passing at age 47 from heart disease after her battle with cancer, Judy’s colleagues established a scholarship in her memory to honor her legacy. Her family continues to preserve her impact by ensuring her scholarship supports students for generations to come.
Davis’ daughter, Kelly Guy, reflected on her mother’s dedication, saying:
“She dedicated her life to JSCC. She was proud of JSCC and loved being part of such a wonderful place.”
Ashley Graham, a long-time supporter of the JSCC Foundation, has remained committed to its mission. Upon learning about the existing scholarship created in Judy Davis’s memory, her goal became to grow it into an endowment. She achieved this through employee-giving campaigns and a Facebook fundraising effort that encouraged donations to the Foundation in lieu of personal gifts.
Taylor Sandlin, Director of Foundation Services, expressed gratitude for the support and the legacy being created, stating:
“I am incredibly thankful for Ashley and her family. They have shown unwavering dedication to our James Sprunt students. It is wonderful to see Mrs. Davis’s legacy live on in such a powerful way, providing opportunities and assistance to students in need for generations to come. Her commitment and passion for JSCC will continue to make a meaningful impact on the lives of our students.”
Through generosity like this, legacies are created that last far beyond a single moment of giving. Endowed scholarships ensure that support today becomes an opportunity for generations of students tomorrow.
If you are interested in learning more about endowing a scholarship, please contact the James Sprunt Foundation, Inc., at (910) 275-6152 or tsandlin@jamessprunt.edu. Your gift can create a lasting legacy by providing educational opportunities and support for students for years to come. Together, we can continue transforming lives through the power of education and generosity.
