Special Education Major Morgan Crowe Receives Sullivan Scholarship at Lees-McRae College

By Lauren Foster

Morgan Crowe, a freshman from Concord, North Carolina, was named the newest beneficiary of the Algernon Sydney Sullivan Foundation Scholarship at Sullivan partner school Lees-McRae College in Banner Elk, N.C.

The Sullivan Scholarship totals $10,000 in funding each year for four years. The scholarship is based on personal character and service to others.

Related: Learn more about the Algernon Sydney Sullivan Scholarship for college students here.

A recent graduate of Jay M. Robinson High School, Crowe chose Lees-McRae because it is a smaller school and feels like a family. She said she’s grateful the campus is open for in-person classes, even though the year won’t look exactly as she expected. “I am approaching the year with a positive attitude and with an understanding that all of the modifications are to keep everyone safe,” she said. “That brings a sense of comfort, knowing the school is doing everything they can to keep us on campus and healthy.”

Crowe is already active on campus as a member of the softball team. While at Lees-McRae, she plans to major in special education. “I have always had a passion for working with kids in the special-needs environment and can easily connect with them and form bonds,” she said.

Related: Meet Hailey McMahon, Berry College’s first Sullivan Scholar

The Algernon Sydney Sullivan Foundation presents scholarships to students at 25 private colleges and universities across the south. First established at Lees-McRae in 1936, the Sullivan Scholarship is awarded to one incoming freshman who demonstrates exemplary personal character and a commitment to service above self. Additionally, the selected student must exhibit noble character as the aggregate of features and traits related to ethical and moral values, including honesty, morality, ethics, integrity, responsibility, determination, courage and compassion as evidenced by service in the community.

“Morgan’s initiative to see things that needed to be done and charging in to fix them is impressive,” said Amy Anderson, Algernon Sydney Sullivan Foundation campus liaison and dean of business and management at Lees-McRae College. “She exemplifies the meaning of service beyond self.”

Anderson will work with Crowe and fellow scholarship recipients over the coming years to attend retreats and field trips to further develop their community leadership skills.