Junior Ivy Guilliams Receives Dr. B.C. McGough Dean's Scholarship

JONESBORO – Dr. B.C. McGough was the first dean of what is now known as the Neil Griffin College of Business.

An endowed scholarship in his name, established a decade ago, awards a junior or senior student who is majoring in one of the programs offered by the Griffin College.

The endowment was established with a $50,000 gift in 2013. Gerry McGough, who provided the endowment to create the scholarship in the name of her late husband, has added $25,000 to the fund to provide many years of success for future students.  

“Dr. McGough was my first adviser when I entered college at A-State. It’s interesting that he was influential in my life in getting me started on my college journey, and now I hold the same position as dean of the Neil Griffin College of Business,” said Dr. Jim Washam.

“As the founding dean of the College of Business, professor, and my adviser, Dr. McGough had an incredible impact on the lives of students during his time at A-State. It’s wonderful to see his family continue this legacy of changing lives through the Dr. B.C. McGough Dean’s Scholarship,” Washam added. 

Ivy Guilliams, a junior finance major from Jackson, Mo., is this year’s recipient of the scholarship.

“I have a great appreciation for the gift of my scholarship and after meeting Mrs. McGough, my appreciation intensified. Receiving an institutional scholarship serves as a clear reminder of the support A-State has, especially for the Neil Griffin College of Business,” said Guilliams.

“Ivy is an exceptional student. This scholarship is set up to provide financial assistance for upper-level students with proven ability and potential, and Ivy was a perfect fit for the award,” said Washam.

McGough recently met with Guilliams and said she is happy to help students.

“This scholarship can provide students with the means to devote their time to studying and mastering their chosen field,” said McGough.

Guilliams added it is an honor to receive this boost to her education.

“I was incredibly inspired by Mrs. McGough and her personal story. Her lively spirit and desire to help others was evident by the stories she shared of herself and of Dr. McGough. She and her family are an inspiration and their commitment to helping students successfully complete a higher education is to be admired,” said Guilliams.

The original College of Business was housed in Wilson Hall. Dr. McGough knew the importance of scholarship assistance to upper-level students who have proven their ability and potential but need financial assistance to finish a bachelor’s degree.

Additional information about this and other endowment opportunities at A-State is available through the Office of Development, 870-972-3940 or Development@AState.edu.

Pictured left to right: Ivy Guilliams, Gerry McGough and Dr. Jim Washam