(L to R) Mikenzie Francis-Opperman, PSCF Director of Scholarships; Ron and Dale Hensley, Scholarship Donors; and Andrea Krieger, PSCF Executive Director.
Ron and Dale Hensley have invested in the lives of others for decades. Originally from Tennessee, the Hensleys have long-supported scholarships there.
In 1999, the Hensleys established a scholarship at Roane State Community College, where Ron completed his education in the late 70s. As a student during a public speaking class, Ron heard the powerful story of a single mother who, at just 16, had to escape an abusive marriage. Determined to change her life, she secretly learned to drive, passed her GED with the help of local police officers, and enrolled at Roane State to build a better future for herself and her child. Moved by her courage, Ron and Dale established the Mother’s Helping Hand Scholarship, now known as the Helping Hand Scholarship, to support students who are single parents. Their dedication to giving back did not stop there; the Hensleys also created the Charlie Helms Scholarship for nursing students at Roane State in memory of their dear friend.
Ever selfless, the Hensleys extended their support to Tennessee Technological University (TTU) as well. Dale and her sisters established the William G. Crawford and Lillian T. Crawford Endowed Scholarship in memory of Dale’s parents, who met while attending TTU. Additionally, Dale’s father, Will Glenn, taught SCUBA diving at TTU in the 1970s and 1980s, and Dale’s mother, Lillian, worked in the provost’s office at the University. Dale and her two sisters later attended TTU as well. Ron and Dale continue to support the Whitlow-Crawford Endowed Scholarship that honors Dale’s father’s cousin, Fanny Barbour Whitlow.
Ron and Dale Hensley relocated from Tennessee to Northwest Florida in December 2016 and were inspired to create a scholarship fund at Pensacola State College shortly thereafter to benefit students in their new community. The Next Step Scholarship was established in 2017 with a $14,800+ stock gift from the Hensleys. To assist those who have faced significant obstacles and are working to make a better life, the Hensleys created this scholarship to benefit students pursuing a degree or certificate at Pensacola State College after leaving a correctional facility. The Hensleys have continued their support of this impactful fund over the years with donations totaling more than $55,800. Now, they have chosen to endow the scholarship with an additional $50,000 donation, growing their lifetime giving to Pensacola State College to more than $100,000.
In their free time, the Hensleys enjoy woodworking, travel, ocean conservation, SCUBA diving, being physically active, and spending time with their children and grandchildren.
For more information about the Next Step Endowed Scholarship or to make a contribution, please visit https://foundation.pensacolastate.edu/online-giving/scholarships/ or call (850) 484-1560.