Maryville, Tennessee, October 20, 2025
News Summary
Maryville College has announced the launch of the Myrtle Coker Wilkinson Honors Program, funded by a $1 million donation from Myrtle’s family. The program aims to honor her legacy and support high-achieving students committed to education and service. The program was introduced during a ceremony attended by family members and college officials, highlighting Myrtle’s journey and dedication to education. This initiative seeks to inspire future generations of students at Maryville College.
Maryville, Tennessee — Maryville College has officially announced the launch of its new honors program called the Myrtle Coker Wilkinson Honors program, made possible by a generous $1 million gift from the family of the late Myrtle Coker Wilkinson, an alumna from the class of 1953. The program seeks to honor Myrtle’s dedication to education and aims to inspire future generations of students.
The announcement took place during a ceremonial event held on Thursday in the Lambert Recital Hall of the Clayton Center for the Arts. Attendees included family members, college officials, and community supporters who came together to celebrate this significant milestone for the college.
During the ceremony, Jerry Wilkinson, the son of Myrtle Coker Wilkinson and a benefactor of the honors program, spoke about his mother’s lasting legacy and commitment to education. He shared insights into her life and the impact that education had on her family. Maryville College President Bryan Coker also addressed the gathering, emphasizing the importance of honors programs in fostering a supportive educational community for dedicated students.
Vice President and Dean of the College, Liz Perry-Sizemore, provided an overview of Myrtle Coker Wilkinson’s life. Myrtle was born in 1915 on a farm in Louisville as one of seven children and attended Maryville College to study elementary education. Her determination and commitment to education were evident from an early age; she worked her way through college by participating in a college maid program and sewing clothes.
Although Myrtle had to leave Maryville College in her sophomore year, she qualified to teach in Blount County and continued her education while raising five children. Her passion for learning did not wane, as she returned to school through various workshops and evening classes, ultimately graduating at the age of 38 in 1953.
Myrtle’s family remembers her for her emphasis on education and generosity, as well as her resolve in overcoming challenges. Heather McMahon, Assistant Dean for Academic Success, noted that the establishment of the honors program aligns with a long-term goal of providing a structured approach for academically high-achieving and service-oriented students.
Jerry Wilkinson expressed hopes that the new honors program will inspire more graduates like his mother and highlighted the significant role Maryville College played in her life. The program is designed to cultivate a select group of students who demonstrate exceptional academic abilities and a commitment to service, reflecting Myrtle’s values.
Myrtle’s influence on education can be traced back to her own mother, who was a teacher in the late 1800s. This familial connection to teaching profoundly influenced Myrtle’s lifelong approach towards education and her advocacy for academic achievement.
The Myrtle Coker Wilkinson Honors program represents not just a financial investment in the future of Maryville College students but also signifies a commitment to uphold the values of perseverance and dedication to education that Myrtle Coker Wilkinson embodied.
FAQ
What is the Myrtle Coker Wilkinson Honors program?
Maryville College has launched a new honors program named the Myrtle Coker Wilkinson Honors program, thanks to a $1 million gift from the family of the late Myrtle Coker Wilkinson, an alumna from the class of 1953.
Who was Myrtle Coker Wilkinson?
Myrtle was born in 1915 on a farm in Louisville as one of seven children and attended Maryville College to study elementary education. She earned money for her tuition through a college maid program and sewing clothes. Although she left Maryville in her sophomore year, Myrtle qualified to teach in Blount County and continued her education while raising five children, ultimately graduating at the age of 38 in 1953.
What are the goals of the honors program?
The establishment of the honors program was a long-term goal and will provide a structured approach for students who are academically high achievers and service-oriented. It aims to inspire more graduates like Myrtle Coker Wilkinson and to cultivate a community of dedicated students.
Key Features of the Myrtle Coker Wilkinson Honors Program
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Donation Amount | $1 million from the family of Myrtle Coker Wilkinson |
| Target Audience | Academically high-achieving and service-oriented students |
| College Impact | Fosters a community of dedicated students and honors Myrtle’s legacy |
| Inspiration Focus | Aims to inspire future generations of graduates |
| Historical Context | Myrtle’s journey emphasizes determination and educational pursuit |
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Additional Resources
- WBIR: Maryville College’s New Program Honors Myrtle Coker Wilkinson
- Knox TN Today: Maryville College Prepares for Homecoming Extravaganza
- The Daily Times: Tennessee Army National Guard Honors Maryville College
- Wikipedia: Honors Program
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Honors Program
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