Passion for education lives on

The impact of an educator can stick with you long after you’ve completed school – this is the case for countless students of educator Tresia Swain (Class of 1980, 1986).

Known for her supportive nature and inspirational leadership, she served in education for 27 years. A native of Fleming County, she began her journey as a teacher, and worked her way up to principal of Rowan County Middle School – a position she held for 15 years before her retirement.

Tresia did not take her educational advocacy lightly. She believed every child should be provided with the resources to thrive in a compassionate and uplifting educational environment. To ensure the best learning opportunities for middle school students in Rowan County, she led the charge for the construction of a new, state-of-the-art middle school facility.

Inspired by her fervent commitment to her students, her husband, Adrian (Class of 1998, 2006), established a scholarship in her name following her passing in 2020. The scholarship provides support to a junior or senior student majoring in elementary or middle grades education. Thanks to Adrian’s generous commitment, the nearly $30,000 endowment will ensure that Tresia’s passion lives on through the lives of these students.

Legacy of professors honored through scholarship

If you speak to an MSU graduate who attended sometime between the 1960s and 2000, they’ll likely recognize the name “Mo Sabie.” A first-generation Iraqi immigrant, Dr. Mohammed Sabie was a long-time and beloved professor at MSU. Known for his soccer skills in Iraq, Dr. Sabie also established the soccer program at Morehead State and became an international authority on the sport, even serving as an Olympic coach.

Dr. Layla Sabie, Mohammed’s wife, was also a well-loved professor at MSU. Married for 48 years, the Sabies raised their family in the Morehead community. To honor their legacy and commitment to MSU, the family supports the Drs. Mohammed and Layla Sabie Memorial Scholarship, a fund that supports studying education in recognition of the Sabies decadeslong careers in teaching and coaching.