From left: Deborah Barr, Michael Barr, PEF College Advancement Mentor Anne Choyce
University of Tennessee at Chattanooga sophomore Michael Barr is the recipient of the Public Education Foundation’s Empowerment Book Scholarship for his community involvement and unwavering commitment to his academic success.
The scholarship was created to recognize the outstanding contributions of Dr. Yancy Freeman, a former Public Education Foundation (PEF) board member and UTC vice chancellor of enrollment management and student affairs who is now the chancellor at UT Martin.
PEF is a Chattanooga-based non-profit organization that provides training, research and resources to teachers, principals and schools in Hamilton County and surrounding areas.
“Michael Barr is an impressive, hard-working, accomplished young man,” said Dr. Dan Challener, the PEF president. “PEF is delighted to recognize him; it is especially fitting that our award for Michael also honors Yancy Freeman, who did so much for PEF, UTC and our community.”
Barr, a 2022 graduate of Central High School, is pursuing a degree in accounting with aspirations for a doctorate in the field. He is a participant in PEF’s Gateway Scholars, a pioneering mentorship program that pairs high school students from seven target schools (Brainerd, Central, East Ridge, Hixson, The Howard School, Red Bank and Tyner Academy) with college advancement mentors who support the students to and through college success. These mentors provide tailored services to students as they transition to college and throughout the first year, promoting self-advocacy, a growth mindset, and academic, social and emotional learning.
“Now that I am a recipient of the PEF Empowerment Book Scholarship, I can focus more on my education,” Barr said. “This scholarship will serve as a reminder of my support network and an inspiration as I continue with my studies.”
Barr said his “giving back to the community” mindset is a value instilled in him by his parents. He regularly volunteers with The Nehemiah Project, a local organization providing school supplies for low-income children, and Second Missionary Baptist Church. In addition to pursuing his accounting degree, he works at Delta Airlines as a ramp agent.
“Michael is smart and well-rounded,” said Anne Choyce, Barr’s PEF college advancement mentor from PEF. “He’s engaged in his community, hard-working in his job and driven to succeed at school. It’s been a joy to watch him figure out how to succeed in college and make the adjustments he needs to make to reach his goals.”
Freeman, who began his tenure as UT Martin chancellor in August 2023, served on the PEF board from 2018 to 2023. Upon concluding his five years of service to PEF’s board, his commitment to student success inspired the creation of the Empowerment Book Scholarship.
The scholarship aims to alleviate the financial burden of textbooks and educational supplies, particularly for students whose costs pose a significant obstacle to post-secondary success.
“I am so honored that this scholarship inclusively supports rising young professionals like Michael Barr to help him realize his incredible potential,” Freeman said. “He will go far, and I’m glad this scholarship can support his journey.”
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