One public servant, generations of impact

As someone with successful careers in law and politics, W. Terry McBrayer (Class of 1959) valued public service.

He started the McBrayer Law Firm in his hometown of Greenup, which grew to the eighth largest firm in the Commonwealth. As his career and influence in Kentucky politics grew, so did his law practice. McBrayer for the Kentucky House of Representatives ran and won the election, serving from 1966 to 1972. While there, he served in leadership roles and was later elected chairman of the Kentucky Democratic Party. He finished his career as senior partner and lead lobbyist for the McBrayer, McGinnis, Leslie and Kirkland law firm.

McBrayer was inducted into the MSU Alumni Hall of Fame in 1966 and received an honorary doctorate in 1975. He created the W. Terry McBrayer Presidential Lecture Series in Government and Leadership and established the Presidential Scholarship Endowment to support recruitment, retention and degree completion.

“I love Morehead State. I owe them so much and wish I could give them even more money than I have,” McBrayer said in 2019. “The school does so much for kids that are first-generation graduates.” and Roy passed away in 2018 – but a generous estate gift will ensure their legacy lives on.

McBrayer passed away in October 2020, and the W. Terry McBrayer Scholarship for Excellence endowment was created by his daughter, Sarah Savarie. Two scholarships are awarded each year to students from Greenup County.

Supporting future teachers

As educators, there are many ways that a teacher can leave a mark on future generations of students. For two special Eagles, they chose to carry their love of education on to future generations – and in a big way.

Joyce (Class of 1960) and Roy Spaulding (Class of 1960) had long careers as teachers. They found joy in teaching students who were eager to learn. Joyce and Roy retired as elementary and junior high reading teacher and band director, respectively. Both Joyce

The Spauldings made arrangements to leave a portion of their estate to MSU. Through the partnership of Russell Scott Spaulding (Class of 1989), their nephew and trustee of the Spaulding Family Trust, the couple’s gift funds a scholarship endowment to support students studying education. The Joyce and Roy Spaulding Scholarship for the College of Education supports a full-time undergraduate student.