A Love Story That Endures

Couple endows three education scholarships to support the next generation

by Brian Delaney

For Elaine and Richard “Rick” Warwick, MTSU was not just the place where they received their education, but also where they met and began a life of shared passions. It’s only fitting that decades later they chose to give back to the university that shaped their lives—establishing three endowed scholarships in the College of Education to ensure that future students can follow their dreams, just as the Warwicks did.

As champions of education and preserving history, their idyllic log home symbolizes their commitments, having restored the historic dwelling from 1831.

Rick, who serves as Williamson County’s official historian, has authored 20 books on local history and culture, underscoring his dedication to preserving the past. Elaine devoted her life to educating students of all ages, but she became especially aware of the need to support those pursuing degrees in education after becoming a supervisor of student teachers at MTSU.

“One of my student teachers looked at me with tears in her eyes, and she said, ‘I’ve got a quarter tank of gas in my car, and I don’t know where the money’s coming from to put any more in.’ ” The student declined an offer from Elaine for monetary support, but Elaine informed the student about emergency funds available at the college, which helped her “make it through the end of the semester.”

Elaine later noticed one student was always late turning in assignments and learned the student was working two 12-hour shifts on weekends at a hotel to make ends meet. She recalled another student whose family kicked her out of the home at age 16 but who had managed to finish high school and worked her way through MTSU by working double shifts at Sonic.

As more students confided in Elaine with their personal struggles, it demonstrated how “the need was there for all the support they can have,” she said.

Fond Memories

Elaine and Rick’s paths first crossed at MTSU in a library science class, Books for Young Children, in fall 1967. “He stood out as the only male in the room,” Elaine said.

A month later, they became closely acquainted when they happened to ride in the same car together for a church group retreat from the University to Fall Creek Falls. By May 1969, they were married.

Rick (’69, ’71), who later earned a master’s in teaching, began teaching American history and then served as the school librarian at Hillsboro School in Williamson County. After 23 years in education, he pursued other interests in history, curating several exhibits, and served on the Tennessee Historical Commission.

Elaine (’69, ’76), who added a master’s in teaching, primarily taught second grade at Fairview Elementary School during a teaching career that spanned 35 years. Even after retirement in 2004, her passion for education brought her back to MTSU, where she supervised Early Childhood student teachers until 2020.

Two scholarships they endowed honor their University teachers Christine Vaughan and Leniel Edwards.

“We named the scholarships for these ladies because they meant so much to us,” Elaine said.

While Rick was working as a student teacher in Manchester, Vaughan arranged for him to stay at her house during the week while he taught, and she waved off his offer to pay.

Edwards, a teacher and librarian at MTSU for 22 years, was known for her high standards, ensuring every detail was correct. It was Edwards' class where Rick and Elaine first met.

Supporting Future Educators

When students face financial challenges, their education goals are more attainable thanks to donors like the Warwicks.

“If our scholarships can help them to worry less about how they’re going to make it, then they can pay more attention to what they’re learning and put more energy into it,” Elaine said. “That worry about money is real.”

History major Evan Wiggs said the Warwick scholarship will be “immensely helpful” as he begins a teacher residency program this spring semester and will be unable to work elsewhere.

“I will be able to worry less about finances while taking classes and hopefully work less to focus on school,” said Sarah Potter, a recipient of the scholarship named for Vaughan.

Master of Library Science student Megan Johnson, who aspires to become an elementary librarian to inspire youths with an imaginative spark, said representing the Edwards and Vaughan scholarships “is truly an accomplishment that I will cherish forever.”

The Warwicks began by making annual gifts, supporting the College of Education with a $1,000 current-use scholarship, and eventually endowed three scholarships. As members of the University’s 1911 Society, the Warwicks have also included a gift to MTSU in their estate plans. The couple hopes the recipients stay within the teaching profession, inspire other students, and eventually give back to their alma mater.

Helping students

To learn more about supporting the College of Education, contact Trisha Murphy at trisha.murphy@mtsu.edu, call 615-898-5032, or visit development.mtsu.edu/types-of-gifts.

For more information about MTSU Education scholarships like the Warwicks created, visit education.mtsu.edu/scholarships.

Student applications for emergency funds are accepted throughout the academic year, while Feb. 15 is the scholarship deadline for 2025–26.