Barry Allen
Barry Allen is a two-time graduate of UT and a strong supporter of CEHHS and the Haslam College of Business. He serves as the CEO and is on the Board of Directors of Tower Community Bank, located in southeast Tennessee.
Barry credits his great experiences as an undergraduate and graduate student in the Haslam College of Business as a reason to give back to his alma matter. In addition, Barry’s daughter Gracie Kaye, received her degree in Early Childhood Education from CEHHS’ Department of Child & Family Studies.
He wanted to make an impact for students graduating from high school in Marion County, Tennessee who are interesting in attending UT. As a result, the Tower Community Bank Scholarship in Business or Education was created.
For students to be eligible for an award of $1,000, renewable for five years, they much meet the following criteria.
- Graduated high school in Marion County
- Admitted to UT in either CEHHS (pursuing an education degree) or the Haslam College of Business
- Must maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher
Thanks to Barry’s generosity, current and future Vols from Marion County will be part of the growing Volunteer family.
John and Louise Stevenson
“I accept the challenge”
When Ross Stevenson faced an obstacle, he would answer, “I accept the challenge.” Ross, the son of John and Louise Stevenson, grew up in Gainesville, Florida but he had a strong desire to attend The University of Tennessee. There, he majored in exercise science in Kinesiology, Recreation, and Sport Studies (KRSS), graduating with his bachelor’s degree in 2012.
“Ross knew exactly where he wanted to go to school and what he wanted to study, “ said John.
While at UT, Ross served as an athletic trainer for the UT football team and became involved in Reformed University Fellowship where he met his future wife, Lauren Grace. They married in 2015 and had two children together That same year, Ross graduated with his doctorate in physical therapy from The University of Tennessee Health Science Center. He later worked as a physical therapist and site coordinator for Ortho Tennessee.
“UT was the place he wanted to be,” said John. “He became a trainer for the football team because that was a passion for him. Going to a lot of SEC football games growing up, he just loved being part of the athletic program.”
Ross passed away in 2021 at the age of 31 from complications related to Guillain-Barré Syndrome. To honor Ross and the joy he received from helping others, John and Louise established The Ross Stevenson Scholarship Endowment along with the support of Lauren Grace’s cousin, Rachel Smith.
“It means that he’ll always be remembered,” said Louise. “The amazing people who have donated to this scholarship are providing the means for someone else to get an education. It’s something that Ross would have loved.”
“He loved his profession and the possibility of helping someone who wants to go in that direction. So, it just feels good to know that as long as he’s there, that scholarship will be there for someone, “ said Louise.
To date, two deserving undergraduate students in KRSS have received the scholarship. The scholarship honors Ross’ memory and his determination to “Accept the challenge.”