University of the Cumberlands Awards 2026 Deborah Carol Childress Endowed Scholarships to Local Students

University of the Cumberlands has partnered with Maiden Drug Company of Williamsburg, Kentucky, to award the Deborah Carol Childress Endowed Scholarship to two local high school seniors planning to attend Cumberlands this fall. 

This year’s scholarship recipients are Kianna Ballew and Maddox Hubbard. Both students completed dual credit coursework through Cumberlands while in high school and plan to pursue careers in education. 

Ballew, daughter of Brittany Ballew, distinguished herself academically during her time at Williamsburg High School. Her passion for learning inspired her decision to pursue a degree in secondary education at Cumberlands this fall, with plans to become a high school English teacher. 

Ballew said she chose University of the Cumberlands because of her familiarity with the institution, its affordability, and its supportive learning environment. 

“Cumberlands is a great place for education, it’s affordable, and I’ve already taken many classes there,” she said. 

Ballew is one of many local students who have participated in University of the Cumberlands’ Dual Credit program. Through the program, Kentucky high school students can simultaneously earn high school and college credit by taking courses on campus, at their high school, or online. 

Hubbard, son of Christy and Elijah Hubbard, is also an accomplished student who completed multiple dual credit courses while attending Whitley County High School. Like Ballew, his positive educational experiences encouraged him to pursue a degree in secondary education at Cumberlands. He plans to become a high school social studies teacher and eventually earn a master’s degree in education. 

Hubbard said his dual credit experiences at Cumberlands influenced his decision to continue his higher education at the university. 

“I have enjoyed my classes at Cumberlands so far, and I would like to continue my educational journey with UC,” he said. 

The Deborah Carol Childress Endowed Scholarship Fund was established in 2005 by Cumberlands alumni Jonathan and Roger Powers, owners of Maiden Drug Company, in honor of their late niece. The scholarship helps local students pursue an affordable college education and supports future educators studying at Cumberlands. 

To be eligible for the scholarship, students must plan to pursue a career in education and enroll in one of the education programs offered at Cumberlands. 

Located in Williamsburg, Kentucky, University of the Cumberlands is a regional institution offering undergraduate, graduate, doctoral, and online degree programs. Learn more at www.ucumberlands.edu.