EqualiTEA renames award in honor of late First Lady Elizabeth McPhee, announces scholarship recipients

The American Association for University Women Murfreesboro Chapter has renamed its flagship Tempest Award in honor of the late Elizabeth “Liz” McPhee, wife of Middle Tennessee State University President Sidney A. McPhee. The announcement was made during the chapter’s recent EqualiTEA fundraiser and scholarship presentation.

The biennial high tea event, held at The View at Fountains, raises scholarship funds through the Middle Tennessee Fund for Women and Girls, the nonprofit fundraising arm for AAUW Murfreesboro. Keynote speaker Ariana Postlethwait, a professor in the university’s Department of Social Work, spoke about community engagement and support ahead of the award and scholarship presentations.

Chapter president Kim Godwin, an assistant professor in the College of Education, said the purpose of EqualiTEA is to support two scholarships awarded to nontraditional MTSU students. For more than 50 years, the organization has helped women pursue higher education at the university.

The newly renamed Elizabeth “Liz” McPhee Tempest Award recognizes a Middle Tennessee individual who has demonstrated a commitment to advancing equity for women and girls. McPhee, who died Jan. 8 at age 72 following a brief illness, was honored for her lifelong dedication to education and her quiet but impactful support of students.

Godwin said the award honors women who embody AAUW’s core values of social justice, education and equal pay, noting that many of McPhee’s contributions were behind the scenes but left a lasting impact on the university community.

Over 45 years of marriage, including 25 years during her husband’s presidency, McPhee served as a mentor, advocate and supporter to generations of students, faculty and staff. Known for her signature style and love of hats, she was an engaged presence on campus, in the local community and within Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc..

She was also widely loved by elementary students and their families during her 40-year career as a schoolteacher.

President McPhee and the couple’s daughter, Seneca McPhee, attended the April 9 event to accept the inaugural award in her honor. President McPhee expressed the family’s gratitude, calling the recognition a touching tribute to her lifelong commitment to uplifting others and advocating for students.

The Middle Tennessee Fund for Women and Girls currently offers two biennial scholarships, each valued at $1,200 per semester, according to fund president Sam Zaza, an associate professor in the Department of Information Systems and Analytics.

Women age 24 and older returning to complete their undergraduate degrees are eligible for the Ruth Houston Scholarship, named for Ruth McNabb Houston, who served as AAUW Murfreesboro president from 1951 to 1953. This year’s recipient is Chastody “Kearra” Mullinax, a professional studies major with a concentration in healthcare administration from Murfreesboro.

Kathleen Schmand, dean of the James E. Walker Library and vice president for scholarships, said the selection committee was impressed by Mullinax’s application and her purposeful academic journey. A single mother, U.S. Army veteran and full-time student, Mullinax plans to transition into a human resources specialist role while completing her degree, with the long-term goal of commissioning as a warrant officer. She is expected to graduate in spring 2027.

The Butler Fouts Graduate Scholarship, named for AAUW Murfreesboro members Mattie Butler and Leola Fouts, is awarded to female graduate students from underrepresented ethnic or racial groups enrolled in MTSU graduate programs. This year’s recipient is Ifeoluwa Deborah Osungbure, a Nigerian-born student pursuing a Ph.D. in economics with plans to graduate in spring 2027.

Schmand noted that Osungbure is deeply committed to her education and to advancing opportunities for women, despite facing significant out-of-state tuition costs and limited funding options as an international student.

More information about donating to the scholarship fund can be found through the Middle Tennessee Fund for Women and Girls, and those interested in getting involved with AAUW Murfreesboro can visit the organization’s website.