EqualiTEA renames award in honor of late First Lady Elizabeth McPhee, announces scholarship recipients

Collage of images from biennial EqualiTEA fundraiser.

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — The American Association for University Women Murfreesboro Chapter, or AAUW, has renamed its flagship Tempest Award in honor of the late Elizabeth McPhee, wife of Middle Tennessee State University President Sidney A. McPhee. The announcement was made during the chapter’s recent EqualiTEA fundraiser and scholarship presentation.

Dr. Kim Godwin, Instructional Designer - Online/Distance Programs, University College in the Miller Education Center. — Dr. Kim Godwin

The biennial “hats-optional” high tea — held at The View at Fountains — raises scholarship funds through the Middle Tennessee Fund for Women and Girls, the nonprofit fundraising arm for AAUW Murfreesboro.

Kenote speaker Ariana Postlethwait, professor in the MTSU Department of Social Work, spoke on community engagement and support before the award and scholarship presentations.

“The purpose of EqualiTEA is to support two scholarships awarded to nontraditional MTSU students,” said chapter president Kim Godwin, assistant professor in the College of Education. “For more than 50 years, AAUW Murfreesboro has helped women pursue higher education at MTSU.”

Ariana Postlethwait, professor in the Department of Social Work at Middle Tennessee State University in Murfreesboro, Tenn., speaks to the crowd gathered for the biennial EqualiTEA, held April 9 at The View at Fountains in Murfreesboro. The high tea is a benefit for the Middle Tennessee Fund for Women and Girls, the scholarship fundraising arm for the American Association for University Women Murfreesboro Chapter. (MTSU photo by Jenn Caputo)

Liz McPhee honored with award

The newly renamed Elizabeth “Liz” McPhee Tempest Award recognizes a Middle Tennessee individual who has demonstrated a commitment to advancing equity for women and girls. McPhee, who died Jan. 8 at age 72 following a brief illness, was honored for her lifelong dedication to education and quiet but impactful support of students.

“The Tempest Award honors women who embody AAUW’s core values of social justice, education and equal pay,” Godwin said. “Mrs. McPhee’s contributions — many of them behind the scenes — left a lasting impact on the university community.”

Over 45 years of marriage, including 25 years during her husband’s presidency, McPhee served as a mentor, advocate and supporter to generations of students, faculty and staff. Known for her signature style and love of hats, she was a visible and engaged presence on campus, in the local community and in her sorority, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc.

She was also beloved by scores of elementary students and their families over her 40 years as a schoolteacher.

The American Association for University Women Murfreesboro Chapter announced the renaming of its flagship Tempest Award in honor of the late Elizabeth “Liz” McPhee, wife of Middle Tennessee State University President Sidney A. McPhee, during the biennial EqualiTEA fundraiser and scholarship presentation. Dr. McPhee, left, and their daughter, Seneca McPhee, accepted the award at the high tea event held Thursday, April 9, at The View at Fountains in Murfreesboro, Tenn. (MTSU photo by Jenn Caputo)

President McPhee and the couple’s daughter, Seneca McPhee, attended the April 9 event to accept the inaugural Elizabeth “Liz” McPhee Tempest Award in her honor.

“Our family greatly appreciates this honor in recognition of Liz and her lifelong commitment to uplifting others and advocating for students across the community,” President McPhee said. “This is truly a touching tribute to her memory, and I must give a heartfelt thank you to this organization for honoring her in this special way.”

Houston, Butler-Fouts scholarships

The fund currently offers two biennial scholarships, each in the amount of $1,200 per semester, explained fund president Samantha Johnson, associate professor in the Department of Health and Human Performance.

Women 24 years and older who are returning to finish their undergraduate degrees are eligible for the Ruth Houston Scholarship, named in honor of Ruth McNabb Houston, who served as the AAUW Murfreesboro president from 1951-1953. Chastody “Kearra” Mullinax , a professional studies major with a concentration in healthcare administration from Murfreesboro, was honored as the Houston scholarship recipient this year.

“We were highly impressed with her application and her personal academic journey,” said Kathleen Schmand, dean of MTSU’s James E. Walker Library and vice president for scholarships. “Her educational journey has not been linear, but purposeful.”

Middle Tennessee State University President Sidney A. McPhee, left, stands with Chastody “Kearra” Mullinax , an undergraduate student at MTSU in Murfreesboro, Tenn., who was presented the Ruth Houston Scholarship at the recent EqualiTEA high tea fundraiser hosted April 9 by the Middle Tennessee Fund for Women and Girls and the American Association of University Women Murfreesboro Chapter. (MTSU photo by Kristen Keene)

Middle Tennessee State University President Sidney A. McPhee, left, stands with Ifeoluwa Deborah Osungbure, a Ph.D. student at MTSU in Murfreesboro, Tenn., who was presented the Butler Fouts-Graduate Scholarship at the recent EqualiTEA high tea fundraiser hosted April 9 by the Middle Tennessee Fund for Women and Girls and the American Association of University Women Murfreesboro Chapter. (MTSU photo by Kristen Keene)

Mullinax, a single mother, U.S. Army veteran and full-time student, plans to transition to a human resources specialist position to gain administrative experience while she finishes her degree with the intention of commissioning as a warrant officer. She expects to graduate in spring 2027.

The Butler Fouts-Graduate Scholarship, named for AAUW Murfreesboro members Mattie Butler and Leola Fouts, goes to female graduate students from underrepresented ethnic or racial groups who are enrolled in MTSU graduate programs. This year’s winner is Nigerian-born Ifeoluwa Deborah Osungbure, who is pursuing a Ph.D. in economics with plans to graduate in spring 2027.

“She is an individual committed to her education and to advancing women. She faces significant out-of-state tuition costs and, as an international student, has limited funding options,” Schmand said.

To learn how you can donate to the scholarship fund, visit https://www.mtfundforwomenandgirls.org/. To get involved with the AAUW Murfreesboro, visit https://murfreesboro-tn.aauw.net/.

— Nancy DeGennaro (Nancy.DeGennaro@mtsu.edu)