Spartman Skaggs Pride Scholarship Fund established
The Morehead State University Foundation announced the establishment of the Spartman Skaggs Pride Scholarship, a fund to assist MSU LGBTQ+ students in affording their education.
Larry "Aaron" Skaggs (Class of 1996, 1998) established the scholarship in his estate plans to honor his husband of 28 years, Barry Spartman (Class of 2003). Spartman was a library specialist at Camden-Carroll Library at MSU when he passed away in 2022 at 49. He began a 31-year career at the library as a work-study student when he was 18 after graduating from Elkhorn City High School.
Skaggs, a native of Elliott County, was the first in his immediate family to earn a college degree. He graduated high school as a salutatorian in 1993 and earned MSU's prestigious Presidential Scholarship. Skaggs met Spartman at MSU while earning an associate degree in radiologic sciences. He continued his education at Kettering College of Medical Arts with a specialty in Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI).
Skaggs returned to complete his bachelor's degree in 1998. He became a top MRI educator at Siemens Healthcare in Erlangen, Germany, and received many awards and accolades for his dedication and contributions.
Scholarship recipients must be full-time students identifying as LGBTQ+ and reside in either Elliott County or Pike County. They must also have a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or above and major in radiologic or library sciences.
"Aaron hopes this scholarship will inspire LGBTQ+ students from his and Barry's hometowns to pursue their educational dreams and realize their full potential," said Allison Caudill (Class of 2005, 2009), executive director of alumni relations and development. "This scholarship was created in honor of Aaron and Barry, their love for each other, and in appreciation of their education."
At Morehead State University, 95% of students receive some form of financial aid. The MSU Foundation is instrumental in assisting with scholarship support. The Foundation's endowment, valued at over $70 million, manages nearly 600 funds to support MSU students.
If you want to establish a scholarship or make a planned gift commitment, contact MSU's Office of Alumni Relations and Development at 606-783-2033, email giving@moreheadstate.edu or visit alumni.moreheadstate.edu.
Photo, left to right: Larry "Aaron" Skaggs and his late husband Barry Spartman, former Morehead State library specialist. Skaggs established the Spartman Skaggs Pride Scholarship Fund in his honor.
