Higginson

Dr. Bonnie and Cliff Higginson of Murray , out of their genuine love and appreciation of Murray State University , have recently established the Bonnie and Cliff Higginson Study Abroad Scholarship for MSU education students.

Recipients of the scholarship must be full-time students with a 3.0 grade point average overall and in their major. Preference will be given to applicants pursuing a career in teaching at the elementary, middle or secondary level. The scholarship will be applied towards the recipients’ study abroad program expenses.

Bonnie and Cliff have each enjoyed travel since birth. Both were members of military families, traveling extensively throughout the United States and living in countries such as Japan , Germany and Azores while growing up. Through those experiences, Bonnie and Cliff gained an appreciation for world-wide travel. As an educator, Bonnie understands the value of study abroad opportunities for MSU students.

“I have encountered many students who expressed a desire to study abroad who did not have the financial resources to do so. My husband and I decided to establish this scholarship to give those who want to pursue a career in teaching the opportunity to experience another culture. We believe that such experiences will not only impact students personally, but will have a positive effect on their future students.”

Bonnie, originally from Columbia , S.C. , received her bachelor of science degree from MSU in rehabilitation in 1975, and her master’s degree in human services in 1978. She earned her doctoral degree from the University of Georgia in 1985. While an undergraduate at MSU, Bonnie was a member of the Alpha Omicron Pi sorority.

To her colleagues and students, Bonnie is a tremendous educator. Dr. Russ Wall, dean of the college of education at MSU, says, “On behalf of the College of Education , I would like to thank Bonnie and Cliff for their generous contribution to the study abroad program. Dr. Higginson has been instrumental in developing study abroad opportunities for our students. This scholarship will allow students the opportunity to see the world from a totally different perspective, and will forever impact the way they see the world.”

As a professor in the Department of Early Childhood and Elementary Education at MSU, Bonnie also serves as Head of Robert H. White Residential College. She participated in a faculty exchange program with Yunnan Normal School in Kunming , China in 1988 and served as the director for student study abroad programs to South Korea in 2004 and China in 2006. She has presented in workshops at Galen University in San Ignacio , Belize , and St. John’s College in Belize City , Belize . She is currently working with other MSU faculty members in establishing the first international teaching experience program in Corozal , Belize.

Bonnie is published in numerous education journals and other publications, and has participated in and acquired many grants and other funded projects for the COE. Her professional memberships include the International Reading Association and the Kentucky Reading Association. She recently completed a three-year term on the board of directors of the College Reading Association. She continues to serve on countless MSU committees and councils, including chair of the Council of College Heads.

Among her accomplishments are numerous awards, including the 2006 Marvin D. Mills Humanitarian Award, 2000 Murray State University Distinguished Professor, 1999 Faculty Member of the Year for Hester Residential College and 1992 recipient of the Regents Award for Teaching Excellence in the College of Education.

Cliff is the manager of the Murray Food Giant. Born in College Station , Texas, he lived in California for several years before moving to Murray with his family. As a MSU student, Cliff was a member of the Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity. He enjoys golfing, though he rarely finds time to play.

In addition to their love for travel, Bonnie and Cliff enjoy scuba diving. The couple has traveled to a number of places in the Caribbean on dive trips throughout their years together.

Bonnie and Cliff want recipients of the scholarship to gain as much from their study abroad experience as they have in their travels. “Traveling to and living in other countries provides us with a window to the world, and we hope that the future recipients of this scholarship will be forever changed by their experience.”

For more information on the Bonnie and Cliff Higginson Study Abroad Scholarship and other endowments, contact Bob Jackson , associate vice president of development and governmental relations, at (270)-809-3023 or toll free at 1-877-282-0033, or by email at bob.jackson@murraystate.edu..