Nashville State Scholarships Open Doors for Student Success, Including the Sanford E. Harper Endowed Scholarship

Nashville State Community College offers a variety of scholarships designed to help students achieve their educational and career goals. Starting Fall 2026, is a new endowed scholarship to honor the legacy of Sanford E. Harper. 

Mr. Harper was the father of Nashville State’s President Dr. Shanna L. Jackson.  When he passed in July 2020, the Nashville State Community College Board of Trustees started a fund to honor his memory.  The fund has been expanded through the support of President Jackson and her mother Carol Harper to Endow the Sanford E. Harper Scholarship.

As a first-generation college student, Harper believed in the power of education. Continuing his commitment to educational opportunity, the Harper family created the scholarship to provide flexible financial support and expand access to higher education for first-generation students pursuing an Associate of Applied Science degree in Business.

“From an early age, I knew I was going to college because my dad would have it no other way,” said Dr. Jackson. “He believed education was his gateway out of poverty.  He also believed in helping others achieve their goals. After his passing, we thought this would be a fitting way to honor him and continue his legacy.”

Born in Lynch, Kentucky, and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio, Harper loved life, the church and his family, and he emphasized the importance of education. He and his wife, Carol, raised two children, Derek and Shanna. After earning a bachelor's degree in mathematics and a Master of Business Administration, Harper worked briefly as a mathematician for the federal government before being drafted into the Army. Following his honorable discharge, he returned to federal service. He later worked for Consolidated Gas Co. and General Electric Co. After leaving General Electric, Harper embraced entrepreneurship. He founded and served as president and CEO of Harper Industries Inc., a manufacturing company that employed more than 150 people. He later founded Harper and James, a business consulting firm; Poole Harper (PH) Services, a marketing consulting firm focused on environmental issues; and Food America International Inc. (FAI). Throughout his life, Harper remained active in his community through a variety of organizations.

Recipients may receive up to $1,500 per academic year, based on available funding.

To learn more about the Sanford E. Harper Endowed Scholarship, visit: https://nscc.edu/documents/scholarships/Sanford-E-Harper-Endowed-Scholarship.pdf.

Students interested in financial assistance are encouraged to explore the full range of scholarship opportunities available through Nashville State. A complete list of Nashville State scholarships can be found at: https://nscc.edu/tuition-and-aid/types-of-financial-aid/scholarships/nscc-scholarships.php.             

To support future students through the Sanford E. Harper Endowed Scholarship Fund, donate at: https://www.nsccf.org/sanfordeharper.