Scholars

Scholarship and Leadership Program

Scholarships are offered in the following seventeen school districts: Bristol, Elizabethton, Greeneville, Johnson City, Kingsport, Carter County, Cocke County, Greene County, Hamblen County, Hancock County, Hawkins County, Jefferson County, Johnson County, Sevier County, Sullivan County, Unicoi County, and Washington County.  There are currently 6 Niswonger Scholars and 94 Alumni.

What makes our program unique to all other scholarships is that the goal is to identify and develop leaders for Northeast Tennessee.  These students commit to returning, within seven years, to Northeast Tennessee to work in their chosen career one year for each year they receive our scholarship.  The plan is that by enabling these students to pursue their academic passion and by cultivating their leadership abilities, they will be committed to returning to their “roots” and being catalysts for the growth and improvement of their communities.

Meet Our Niswonger Foundation Alumni

Photography by Jerry Hankins Photography, Greeneville, Tennessee

While we instill the belief that one person’s life can have a great impact, the strength of our Alumni Network is rapidly growing.  These Alumni Scholars are seeing, firsthand, what happens when greater challenges are faced together.  Examples of Alumni involvement include formal and informal alumni meetings, serving as mentors to undergraduate Scholars, assisting with internship and research placements, and presentations at Scholar Leadership Institutes.   

Meet Our Niswonger Foundation Scholars

The Foundation is leaving our mark in this region with the Niswonger Scholars. We know of no other Scholarship and Leadership program like ours in the nation.  Niswonger Scholars are selected through a nomination process that seeks to identify the region’s best and brightest future leaders.  They are given the opportunity to attend the college or university that will best prepare them for success in their field of study, while participating in our four-year leadership program.  Through an emphasis on leadership, business management, community service and ethical decision making, the Scholars are provided travel, training, internships, and personalized support to become model leaders and citizens of the world.

Photography by Jerry Hankins Photography, Greeneville, Tennessee

    The Niswonger Foundation was established in 2001 to make a positive and sustainable difference in education in Northeast Tennessee. This dream was envisioned by Scott M. Niswonger, who founded Landair Transport, Inc. and Forward Air Corporation. These companies were the first two Greeneville-based companies to be taken public in the history of Greene County, Tennessee. Jointly, the companies have combined annual revenue of over one-billion-dollars and employ more than 5000 people.

    ADDRESS

    223 North Main Street
    P.O. Box 1508
    Greeneville, TN 37744

    PHONE

    (423) 820-8181

    FAX

    (423) 588-5933