E. Taylor & Mary Richardson Scholarship

Taylor Richardson is grateful for the remarkable support he received during his pursuit of a college degree. “I wanted to attend what was Memphis State, as it was known back then. It was a challenging time for me personally and that dream seemed impossible, but people in Lake County and Tiptonville helped me out. Over the years, I made it a priority to give back and repay what others did for me” says Taylor.
During high school Taylor was in a foster care situation. After high school graduation he only had funds to pay for college tuition, but nothing else. The Tiptonville Kiwanis Club gave him a $200.00 scholarship which (back in those days) was enough to enroll and begin classes.
Taylor stayed in school for a time by working various part time jobs, but eventually dropped out for one full year between his sophomore and junior years to work full time and save money to return. A local Tiptonville farmer took a chance on Taylor, co-signing a loan to get back to the UofM.
After graduating college, Taylor re-paid the loan, became established in his career, and wanted to give back some of what had been given to him by creating the Taylor Richardson Scholarship fund at the University of Memphis.Taylor remarks, “It is a decision I have never regretted, and it has exceeded my expectations.”