From @wkusga on Instagram.

WKU’s Student Government Association opened a new scholarship to honor the legacy of Abby Nash, a senior graphic design and marketing major who died on December 13th, 2023.

While anyone can apply for the scholarship, the application is geared towards students who work within “creative” departments such as art and design, marketing, english, media and communication, music and theatre and dance.

The scholarship will grant two students $500 each, totaling $1000 in money awarded. The scholarship is currently non-renewable but can be made renewable if next year’s senate writes a bill to change its terms.

According to Sara Vincent, SGA director of enrollment and student experience, the scholarship was authored by CEBS Senator Kayla Distler with the help of Jack McCoun and Mckenna Fleshman.

“I think this scholarship reflects the goals of SGA well because everything we do is for the students. We get the chance to honor the name and legacy of Abby Nash while giving back to other current students. Scholarships like this allow students to create more opportunities for themselves,” Distler said.

To Fleshman and Mcoun, the Abby Nash Creativity Scholarship allows applicants to use arts to express their passion for the arts like Nash loved to express herself. 

“Abby was one of the most intensely creative people I’ve ever met. She believed in doing what you love, cared deeply about the world, and made the most of every experience,” Fleshman said. “We chose the scholarship criterium because we knew that she would want others to pursue their passions as she did,” McCoun added.

The Mental Health & Wellbeing and the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion SGA committees sponsored the bill. Funding came from the SGA’s legislative discretionary budget, which is free to use by senators as long as the senate passes a written bill.

Students can apply here until March 29th, 2024, by 5:00 pm CST.

News Reporter Larkin Ivory can be reached at [email protected].