THE NANCY JANES BOOTHE SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM

The education partners for the Outstanding Women of Northern Kentucky are Toyota, Gateway Community & Technical College, Northern Kentucky University, and Thomas More University.

Each year, Toyota and the three colleges fund one $2,000 scholarship for each school. These scholarships are designated for a deserving female college student who exhibits the same qualities as the Outstanding Women honorees.

The three financial awards constitute the Nancy Janes Boothe Scholarship program, named posthumously in honor of Nancy Janes Boothe, the founder of the awards program and wife of former Northern Kentucky University president, Dr. Leon Boothe.

Nancy was a lovely person and a pillar of the community. As “first lady” of Northern Kentucky University, she worked tirelessly alongside her husband to build the fledgling institution, championing education, and contributing to the community.

Though not native to Northern Kentucky, Nancy and her husband established deep roots in their adopted region. At NKU, her involvement and leadership was beyond measure. Off campus, she served on the boards of the Northern Kentucky Salvation Army, Northern Kentucky Heart Association, Northern Kentucky United Way and Community Chest, and Hyde Park Community United Methodist Church. She was devoted to raising the couple’s three daughters: Cheri, Diana, and Cynthia. She was a great lady and exceptionally hard worker, with a naturally generous spirit. Shortly before the Boothes moved to Northern Kentucky, Nancy was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. For many years she felt no affects of the disease, but as her symptoms mounted, she was open about her diagnosis. She never let it slow her down. Her goal, according to her husband, was to ‘’to live life to its fullest and to be with people.’’ Like so many of her other goals, it was one she met with seeming ease.

Nancy Janes Boothe: a determined leader, a phenomenal volunteer, a gracious friend. Outstanding indeed.