SmartBank, headquartered in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, has proudly partnered with the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, to fund and establish a Tri-Star Scholarship for Tennessee students to attend UT.
As part of the Tri-Star Scholarship Program, this scholarship endowment will help advance UT’s commitment to provide in-state students an affordable, high-quality education. SmartBank’s recent gift specifically benefits students from Sevier County High School to attend the university and advances UT’s aim to establish a Tri-Star Scholarship at every Tennessee high school.
“The Tri-Star Scholarship Program is UT’s land-grant mission in action, offering last-dollar support to all qualifying in-state students,” said Chip Bryant, vice chancellor of advancement. “SmartBank’s generous gift allows us to expand access to UT’s transformational student experience and gets us that much closer to our goal of a Tri-Star Scholarship for every high school in the state.”
The Volunteer community has helped me prepare for my career and so much more. Without my scholarships, there is no way my dreams would be in the making.
– Railey Marshall (Class of 2024)
SmartBank’s gift to fund this scholarship endowment for Sevier County High School students originated with its Sevier County ties and its shared desire with UT to better serve and provide opportunities for the young people of Tennessee.
“SmartBank was founded in Sevier County, Tennessee, so naturally we want to support our local students,” said Billy Carroll (’90), SmartBank president and CEO. “We want to create a pathway for these students to attend UT, a high-caliber university in our backyard. The Tri-Star Scholarship will give these students more equal opportunity and access to UT and is just one of many ways we serve our Sevier County community.”
A current Tri-Star scholarship recipient, Railey Marshall (Class of 2024), demonstrates what the generosity of SmartBank will mean to students like her in Sevier County.
“The Volunteer community has helped me prepare for my career and so much more,” said Marshall. “Without my scholarships, there is no way my dreams would be in the making. As a first-generation college student, I can never express how thankful I am to be at the University of Tennessee, and I can’t wait to see what the future has planned for me here!”
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CONTACT:
Joe Scogin (865-202-8614, drjoe@tennessee.edu)
