W. Preston Battle Library Collection
This fund is named in memory of the Honorable W. Preston Battle and in honor of Walter Preston Battle IV '07 and John Neely Battle '09. The endowment was established in 2000 by Neely S. and W. Preston Battle III '71 to provide income to the Joseph R. Hyde, Jr. Library Learning Center for the acquisition of books by and about American writers.
Cobbins Family Endowment
Alumni and friends established this endowment in 2021 to pay tribute to Shirley Peace Cobbins and her sons, Donnell ’89 and Darrell ’91, who were among the first Black students to attend Memphis University School. Funds from the endowment provide a flexible source of discretionary resources to advance the school’s effort to foster diversity and support a climate of equity and inclusion.
Distinguished Teaching Award
This permanent endowment fund was established in 1990 through a generous bequest by John Murry Springfield. Springfield joined the Memphis University School faculty in 1958 and served as an instructor in English and mathematics until 1971. From 1971 until his death in August 1989, Springfield served as principal of the Hull Lower School. The monetary award is given annually to an MUS faculty member who demonstrates excellence in both the classroom and extracurricular activities.
Faculty Endowment Fund
A part of the permanent endowment, earnings from this fund provide financial assistance that adds a measure of quality as reflected in enhanced faculty salaries.
Edward E. Ford Foundation Sports Facility Fund
This fund was endowed in 1989 by the Edward E. Ford Foundation to provide for the operation and maintenance of the Sue H. Hyde Sports and Physical Education Center.
Edward E. Ford Foundation Teachers Fund
Endowed by the Edward E. Ford Foundation in 1984, this fund was established to enhance faculty salaries so that MUS can attract and retain excellent classroom teachers.
Edward A. Grinder Endowment for Science
This fund was established in 2017 in honor of Edward A. Grinder ’22 by his parents, Megan and Brett Grinder ’91. Income from the endowment provides discretionary funding for the Science Department, including the purchase of supplies and equipment, additional programs, or funding professional development for Science Department faculty.
Ellis L. Haguewood Legacy Endowment
The Board of Trustees established this endowment in honor of Headmaster Ellis Haguewood upon his retirement in 2017. For 22 years as headmaster and 26 years previously as an English teacher, Mr. Haguewood fostered our hallowed mission of academic excellence, cultivation of service and leadership, and the development of well-rounded young men of strong moral character. Income from the endowment will be used to prepare boys for tomorrow’s challenges with 21st century learning tools while remaining true to our traditions; recruiting and retaining expert teachers; attracting the best and brightest young men; keeping MUS affordable; and cultivating leaders who will make a difference in their communities and the world.
Jean Barbee Hale Award for Outstanding ServiceThe Jean Barbee Hale Award for Outstanding Service was established in 1998 by family and friends to honor Jean Hale for her 24 years of service and dedication to Memphis University School. The income from the endowment provides a monetary award that is given each year to a member of the MUS family who has exhibited outstanding loyalty, responsibility, dedication, and commitment to excellence in service to the school.
Hale Fellowship for Faculty DevelopmentThe income from this fund provides the financial support for a faculty member to pursue professional research, study, and travel during the summer months. Ben Hale created the first such fund at MUS in 2002 to honor his sons: Scott '78, Dennis '80, and Steve '84. Faculty members submit proposals each year from which the Hale Fellow is selected.
Dot and Bill Halliday Faculty Fellowship Endowment
This endowment makes essential funds available for professional research, study, and travel by faculty. Income from this fund, which was established through the estate of Dot and Bill Halliday with the support and encouragement of their children, Charles B. Allen IV ’77, Dorothy Halliday Butler, William P. Halliday III ’82, and Allen P. Halliday ’85, provides support for faculty professional development. Dot and Bill were active parents and supporters of the school for many years. In addition, Dot operated the bookstore from 1979 to 2001 and was a friend and colleague of much of the administration and faculty at MUS. Their love for the school, the boys, the faculty, and the staff forms the basis for this gift and its purpose.
Halliday Library CollectionDot and Bill Halliday established the Halliday Library Collection in 2000 to support the resources of the Joseph R. Hyde, Jr. Library Learning Center. Earnings from the endowment provide funds for the purchase of books and journals. Dot Halliday was a long-time MUS bookstore staff member. The Hallidays have three sons who attended MUS: Charles B. Allen '77, William P. Halliday III '82, and Allen P. Halliday '85.
Joseph R. Hyde III Faculty Endowment FundThis fund was established in 1989 in honor of alumnus and board member Joseph R. "Pitt" Hyde III '61. Earnings from the endowment provide income used for the improvement of faculty salaries.
Journalism Summer Fellowship EndowmentFormer editors and staff of
The Owls' Hoot established this fund in 2008 in honor of Norman S. Thompson's 35th anniversary at Memphis University School. Income from the endowment provides tuition and travel expenses for
The Owls' Hoot editor to attend the Columbia Scholastic Press Association journalism workshop at Columbia University each summer.
Library Endowment FundA part of the permanent endowment, earnings from this fund provide budgetary assistance that is designated specifically for use in procuring books and resources for the Joseph R. Hyde, Jr. Library Learning Center.
Loeb Endowment for Academic SupportAs MUS raises its academic standards, the school must likewise raise its level of academic support. Board of Trustees Chairman Robert E. Loeb '73 established this endowment in 2003 during the Doors to New Opportunities Campaign. The income is used by the academic dean to develop and fund programs that provide academic support.
Challace J. McMillin Defensive Coaching Fund
This endowment was established in 2017 by players from the 1967 football team to honor the distinguished career of their defensive coach, Challace McMillin. Income from the endowment provides professional development opportunities for coaches to ensure that the best defensive strategies and current training techniques are available to MUS athletes.
Fontaine Moore Summer Camp Fellowship
This endowment fund was established in 2019 through a generous bequest by Memphis University School alumnus Fontaine B. Moore III ’70. Income from the endowment provides funds to allow a rising seventh grade student to attend Alpine Camp in Mentone, Alabama, in addition to MUS summer programs. Qualified students from Presbyterian Day School or Christ Methodist Day School are selected by the MUS administration. The fellowship is renewable for three years and includes camp tuition, supplies, and travel expenses.
MUS Student Travel Endowment
In 1958 Instructor in English William R. Hatchett led the first of 15 MUS study excursions to Europe, crossing the Atlantic by steamship with a group of students. Metcalf Crump ’60 had the good fortune of joining that inaugural trip. While exploring scores of historic, iconic buildings, he was inspired to become an architect. In 2019, informed by that life-changing journey, Crump established this endowment fund in memory of Mr. Hatchett to provide scholarships for students to participate in similar study/travel programs offered by the school. Earnings from this endowment provide grants for students to participate in study travel led by an MUS teacher or otherwise sanctioned by the school. Students must apply for the travel grants, which are awarded with the approval of the school administration.
John M. Nail Endowment FundThis fund was established in 1988 in memory of John M. Nail by his former students. Nail taught English and history at MUS in the late 1950's, instilling in his students an enduring "love of learning." Income from the endowment provides funds to support faculty development: (1) the John M. Nail Outstanding Teaching Award, (2) the John M. Nail Teaching Fellowship, and, (3) the John M. Nail Departmental Award. The recipient of the awards and fellowship is determined by the Senior Class and is presented each year to a faculty member who teaches in the Upper School.
Mark Cooper Powell Award FundGiven in honor of Mark Cooper Powell '80 by his parents, Marilyn and Edward Powell, income from this fund provides an award to the graduating senior who, through persistence and courage during his career at Memphis University School, has shown the greatest development of character and scholarship.
James C. Rainer IV Family Library CollectionMissy and Jim Rainer '77 established this fund in 2000 in honor of their sons: Jimbo '05, Alex '06, Peter '10, and Wil '13. Income from the endowment provides funds to purchase books by and about Southern writers for the Joseph R. Hyde, Jr. Library Learning Center.
Jackson James Roberts Fellowship
Family and friends established this endowed fund in 2018 to commemorate the life of Jackson Roberts ’14, whose infectious energy and passion for life lifted those around him. Income from the endowment provides students with opportunities for personal growth by enabling them to pursue academic, athletic, service, or leadership programs during the summer. Returning with new skills and knowledge to share, the Roberts Fellows will enhance the character and development of the MUS community. The fellowships, for rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors, are determined by approval of the school administration.
King and Judy Rogers Endowment for Leadership DevelopmentJudy and King Rogers, parents of King W. Rogers IV '98, provided this endowment in 2000 to fund annual leadership development programs for MUS students. The income from the fund provides the resources for a renowned speaker on leadership, quarterly workshops for juniors and seniors, and additional leadership programming.
Andrew F. Saunders III Endowment for Theater ProductionMartha and Tom Horton established this fund in 2010 to honor Andy Saunders at the time of his retirement from MUS after 38 years on the faculty. Income from the endowment provides funding for theater productions.
DeWitt M. Shy, Jr. Mock Trial Fund Classmates, family, friends, and colleagues of DeWitt M. Shy, Jr. ’69 established this memorial fund in 2017. Shy, a partner with Burch, Porter & Johnson and a successful litigator, was routinely recognized among The Best Lawyers in America. Income from the endowment funds the Mock Trial program and provides an annual award recognizing an outstanding member of the team.
Roy E. Winegardner FellowshipsFormer Trustee Michael D. Rose established this fund in 2010 to honor the memory of his friend and mentor, Roy E. Winegardner. Former chairman and CEO of Holiday Inns, Inc., Winegardner was a pioneer and leader in the hospitality industry and the father of alumnus Diego P. Winegardner ’87. The income from the endowment provides summer fellowships to enrich student talents and the intellectual and leadership climate of MUS. The fellowships, for rising juniors and seniors on need-based financial aid, are determined by approval of the school administration.