Endowed Scholar Funds at GSP
An endowed scholar fund within the Governor's Scholars Program is a distinguished honor awarded annually to a Governor's Scholar after their completion of the program. Each fund commemorates the life and legacy of the individual or family for whom it was established and named, serving as a lasting tribute to their values and impact. These recognitions celebrate the memory and spirit of those who value education, excellence, and leadership.
Scholars selected to receive recognition through a named endowed fund are not awarded a monetary prize; rather, they are honored for their exceptional achievements, character, and potential. This distinction is a mark of prestige within the GSP community, symbolizing the scholar's alignment with the ideals and legacy celebrated by the fund. Only a select few scholars receive this recognition each year, making it one of the highest honors within the program. Named endowed funds create a lasting connection between the past, present, and future.
This honor may be highlighted on college applications, scholarship submissions, and resumes as a mark of distinction and accomplishment. Scholars are encouraged to celebrate this recognition within their school community and may incorporate it into baccalaureate or graduation ceremonies.
Leaving Your Legacy: How to Establish a Named Endowed Fund
Creating a named endowed fund is more than a gift—it's an investment in Kentucky's future. Your contribution will permanently link your name or the name of a loved one to the transformative experience of the Governor's Scholars Program. We will work closely with you to craft a fund that reflects your values and celebrates the qualities you wish to inspire in future scholars. For details on establishing your fund and making a lasting difference, please contact Doug Draut at the GSP Foundation. Together, we can ensure your legacy lives on through the leaders of tomorrow.
Harold H. 'Hal' Smith Fund
Harold “Hal" Smith was born and raised in Newport, Kentucky. Growing up as a northern Kentucky river rat, Hal graduated from Newport High School where he excelled in academics, leadership, and athletics. Upon graduating from Newport High, Hal matriculated to Centre College in Danville, Kentucky.
While a student at Centre, Hal Smith excelled in every aspect of campus life. An outstanding student in the economics program, he was also a Student Council representative, a Resident Assistant, and a member of the Interfraternity Council representing Phi Delta Theta. He was also an excellent athlete. Hal was captain of the track team and the men's basketball team. In the latter sport he was named to the all-conference team three of his four years. Hal's many contributions to the life of the College were symbolized by his receiving Omicron Delta Kappa's Leadership Award for 1964.
Something about life on the Centre campus appealed to Hal. While a student at Centre, Hal met his future wife Karen Willis, Class of 1966. But Hal was such a strong believer in, and a great example of, the value of a Centre education that he joined the admissions staff immediately upon graduation, eventually becoming Dean of Admissions. Hal held that position until 1980. During those 16 years, Hal was an important part of the College's growing strength and prestige. Hal also served for three years as Vice President and Dean of Students.
In 1980, Hal was finally tempted to leave Centre, becoming the Vice President for Development at Muskingum College in Ohio. After 16 years at Muskingum, Hal returned to Kentucky to assume the presidency of the University of Pikeville in 1997. Hal retired from Upike in 2009 and was named President Emeritus. Almost immediately upon his retirement, Hal was asked to take the reins for the Governor's Scholars Program Foundation, where he served as President for 10 years before retiring in 2019.
We certainly honor Hal for his professional achievements. Even more, we honor him for remembering that education is about more than balancing budgets or maintaining buildings. It is about balancing life, leading by example, and building community. Hal's philosophy exemplifies the mission of the Governor's Scholars Program, “To enhance Kentucky's next generation of civic and economic leaders." It is in this spirit that the Board of Directors of the GSP honor Hal by designating one northern Kentucky student as the Harold H. “Hal" Smith Scholar.
Past Harold H. "Hal" Smith Scholars
2025 Harold H. "Hal" Smith Scholar (Coming Soon)
2024 Harold H. "Hal" Smith Scholar
2023 Harold H. "Hal" Smith Scholar
2022 Harold H. "Hal" Smith Scholar
Ann Futrell Rankin Fund
Ann Futrell Rankin was born in Cadiz, Kentucky on May 2, 1934. She was the daughter of Anna Duncan McBride Futrell and Dr. Elias Nunn Futrell. Her father, and his twin brother, Dr. John Futrell, were family doctors who practiced together in an office on Main Street for more than 50 years, becoming pillars of the community.
Ann loved growing up in Cadiz and went to Trigg County High School, graduating in 1952. She was an engaged student and participated in the debate club, played clarinet in the marching band and served as a cheerleader, which meant she had to switch between uniforms at football games to fulfill both roles. Ann was always very proud of her Trigg County roots, and had a deep, abiding connection to her hometown and its people. She shared that love with her family, returning often for holidays and family reunions.
Ann attended the University of Kentucky, where she met her husband, Carl Baker Rankin who grew up in Monticello, Kentucky. She graduated in 1956 and supported the family working as a medical records librarian while Carl completed medical school and his internal medicine residency. They spent most of their adult lives in Louisville and raised two daughters, Margaret and Virginia. Through them, she met and became friends with Sherleen Sisney, who taught American History at Ballard High School. Sherleen won the National Teacher of the Year Award in 1983 and ended up creating a program at Ballard called Exceptional Learning Potential. Ann worked as a project developer and coordinator for that program.
When Sherleen later became the Executive Director of the Kentucky Governor’s Scholars Program in the 1990’s, Ann joined her as the Associate to the Executive Director. Of all her work and volunteer experiences, she particularly treasured her time with the Governor’s Scholars Program. She was inspired by the bright young students she met and wanted to encourage them in every way that she could. Ann believed wholeheartedly in the power of education to transform lives and thought there was no greater good than helping young people achieve their full potential.
In honor of her life and legacy, the Ann Futrell Rankin Scholar designation has been established within the Governor’s Scholars Program. Each year, one outstanding student from Trigg County will be selected to receive this special recognition- celebrating not only academic excellence but also the spirit of service, leadership and community that Ann embodied.
Ann would be deeply honored to know that her memory continues to inspire and support young people from her beloved Trigg County. Through this recognition, her legacy lives on in the next generation of scholars, leaders and changemakers.
Past Ann Futrell Rankin Scholars
2025 Ann Futrell Rankin Scholar (Coming Soon)