Combs legacy carries across generations

It is in the strip of land located between the Cumberland River and Pine Mountain that a new legacy began – the legacy of Combs descendants becoming MSU Eagles.

When it came time for the oldest Combs child, Mary Combs Cunningham (Class of 1977), to decide on a college path, she assumed she would follow in her dad, Mason’s, footsteps. He had attended Duquesne in Pennsylvania and majored in pharmacy. Mary had thought she would do the same – until she saw the pharmacy curriculum.

In April 1972, she had the chance to travel to Morehead with her mother to attend the Miss Morehead pageant. A family friend, Nancye Chandler (Class of 1972), was participating in the pageant and the Combs family went to show their support. As she sat in the audience, Mary knew – she wanted to do that, too. Miss Morehead and the community piqued her interest in MSU, but she didn’t quite sign her name on the dotted line just yet. Later, she had a chance to make a second visit as they again went to support a family friend – Sharon Grace, who was in the band at Morehead State. While on this visit, she had the chance to meet an MSU legend – Clyde James (Class of 1965) – who she found so welcoming and kind. The second visit sealed the deal. Mary wanted to come to MSU, be a majorette and earn a spot in the Miss Morehead pageant – all things she would accomplish.

Mary’s move to MSU led to her earning a bachelor’s degree in clothing and textiles in 1973. Her decision to become an Eagle started what has since become a bit of a family tradition. Two of her brothers would soon follow in her footsteps. John Mason Combs (Class of 1980) and David Lawrence Combs (Class of 1983) also attended, both earning

Bachelor of Business Administration degrees. David would meet his future wife, Teresa Ann Lane Combs (Class of 1983) at MSU, as well.

David and Teresa encouraged their children to continue building upon the Combs legacy of MSU Eagles. Two of their children, Mark David Combs (Class of 2014) and Sarah Elizabeth Combs (Class of 2022) also became proud graduates.

The MSU tradition that the Combs family built has always been special. To recognize that legacy, Mary’s husband, Jack Cunningham, decided to surprise her by establishing a scholarship endowment at MSU in honor of her parents. A graduate of The Citadel and a member of The Citadel Brigadier Foundation Board, Jack had seen first-hand the impact privately funded scholarships could make. He felt it was a meaningful way to honor his wife’s pride in MSU and their family connections.

The Mason and Rosemary Combs Scholarship Endowment recognizes their commitment to ensuring their children had the opportunity to pursue a college degree – and the MSU legacy that grew from that commitment. The scholarship supports first-year students from Bell County and the surrounding region.

“My brothers and I are very proud of our Kentucky heritage and especially our MSU legacy,” Mary said. “My parents worked very hard to ensure my brothers and I received a college education. MSU was the perfect fit for us – and we are proud to be Eagles.” at the University of Kentucky, earning an MBA and a Ph.D. in economics and business. He served as the vice president of academic affairs and as a professor and dean in MSU’s (then named) College of Business from 1975 to 1989.

For Patricia Dorton Whitaker (Class of 1975, 1993), Morehead State is more than her alma mater. It is a legacy of family and friendship that has led to a lifetime of service. She has been involved as a volunteer and advocate for the University. She was a member of the Alumni Association Board (2002-11) and president from 2008 to 2010. Her affinity to MSU is a family tradition – her great aunt, Ruby Dorton , was the first family member to attend MSU in 1937 and several members of her family are alumni.

Bill’s parents, Hazel Hicks Whitaker (Class of 1940) and William M. Whitaker, Jr. (Class of 1984) were educators. Hazel began her 30-year career in education in Letcher County, and the couple moved to Morehead in 1950 so she could teach at Breckinridge. She later became the director of MSU’s Testing Center and retired in 1977.

Her brother, Richard “Dick” Dorton (Class of 1969), found the love of his life, Delores (Dodie) Mullins Dorton (Class of 1958), at MSU. He had dreams of becoming an FBI agent and pursued career opportunities in law enforcement and continued to take classes.

Dick earned a degree in social studies and entered the FBI National Academy in 1970. He had a 20-year career with the bureau and received numerous commendations. Their children are also alumni — Rebecca Dorton (Class of 1982) and Richard Dorton (Class of 1989). Upon Dick’s passing, the family established the Richard L. Dorton Scholarship Endowment in his memory to support married students pursuing social science degrees at MSU.

Patricia’s late husband, Dr. William “Bill” Whitaker III (Class of 1964), was a graduate of the Breckinridge Training School and graduated from MSU with a bachelor’s degree in accounting and mathematics. He continued his education

They always valued their education and supported MSU throughout their lives. They made a financial contribution to the MSU Foundation in 1993 to create the William M. and Hazel H. Whitaker Scholarship Endowment, a fund to support aspiring teachers.

Bill wanted to ensure students from eastern Kentucky had opportunities for success. His impact was so profound that a former colleague, Dr. Will McIntosh, former professor of real estate, established a scholarship in his honor in 2018. This gesture touched the Whitakers, who committed to growing the fund to the endowment level. Bill designated that the scholarship support female finance majors.

The Whitaker children saw their parents’ love for the University throughout their lives. All five children went on to become Eagles. For over a decade, a Whitaker child walked across the stage at MSU — Will (Class of 1991), Robert (Class of 1991), Jim (Class of 1995), Destinee (Class of 2000) and Brandon (Class of 2003).