Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) alumna Jeri Isbell donated $500,000 to establish the Isbell Global Scholars Program in the College of Business. The program provides business students with opportunities to study abroad and gain international experiences to lead in a global economy. At the gift announcement on Thursday, Sept. 25, the Isbell Conference Room in the EKU Business & Technology Center was named.
“When others see our mission and choose to come alongside to strengthen the opportunities afforded to students, it is a proud day for EKU,” said EKU President David McFaddin. “This morning, we celebrate a transformational gift from a remarkable person. We are deeply grateful to Jeri Isbell for her continued commitment with a generous half-million-dollar gift that provides our students a truly transformative educational experience.”
After graduating from EKU with an accounting degree in 1979, Isbell went on to a 34-year career with IBM and Lexmark. She advanced from entry-level financial analyst to U.S. controller, division chief financial officer and chief human resources officer. Inducted into the EKU Hall of Distinguished Alumni in 2018, she previously established the Isbell Non-Endowed Scholarship and served as chair of the EKU Foundation Board.
Isbell said, “Giving back is my way of thanking those who came before me and ensuring the next generation has even greater opportunities.”
At the gift announcement, four inaugural Isbell Global Scholars were introduced: Allie Holt, a sophomore marketing major from Kuttawa, Kentucky; Tanner Martin, a junior finance major from Richmond; Michael Rushing, a junior accounting major from Lexington; and Abigail Warren, a junior finance major from Lancaster.
“EKU has already shaped me as someone who strives to serve, to build meaningful relationships and help others find their place in the world,” said Holt. “With new opportunities such as the Isbell Scholars Program, I know I’ll continue growing and becoming a stronger leader in the years ahead.”
Further recognizing Isbell’s support to EKU, Isbell will be honored as Philanthropist of the Year at EKU’s Celebration of Philanthropy this evening at the EKU Center for the Arts.
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