Business & Society
By Marcus Jensen |
Maradee Petersen, Whitney McKay and Craig Petersen pose for a photograph. McKay is the first student to receive the H. Craig and Maradee S. Petersen Scholarship.
EPHRAIM, Utah — Paying for school felt like a distant fantasy for Whitney McKay. The single mother of two active sons, ages 14 and 11, McKay is their sole caregiver and must have her days revolve around her sons’ schedules right now. But with the help of a new scholarship, McKay can fulfill her educational dreams by pursuing a marketing degree via Utah State University Southwest in Ephraim.
McKay is the first student to receive the H. Craig and Maradee S. Petersen Scholarship. Craig Petersen, who is professor of Economics in the Jon M. Huntsman School of Business, and his wife created the scholarship specifically to help solo caregivers create a better life through education.
“We had a chance to meet Whitney, and she is exactly the type of person we had in mind when we established the scholarship,” Craig said. “We are aware of how difficult it can be for single parents to return to school and complete their degrees. But, at the same time, we recognized how a college degree can open doors of success for the future. We are pleased to be able to assist by providing financial support. We hope there will be more just like her in future years that we can help.”
With this financial assistance from the Petersen Scholarship, McKay can now focus solely on her education and family.
“This scholarship means everything,” McKay said. “As a single parent, I carry the full weight of providing for my family. Knowing that my educational expenses are fully covered allows me to focus on school and my children without the constant stress of financial strain. It’s a tremendous gift that I’ll never forget.”
McKay had the opportunity to meet the Petersens, who shared their heartfelt story behind why they created the scholarship.
“By the end of our meeting, we were all in tears,” McKay recalled. “They’re an incredibly generous couple who genuinely want to support solo caregivers like me.”
McKay is preparing for the LSAT, with the hope of eventually earning an MBA and going to law school. She has always been fascinated by the intersection of business and law and hopes to help advocate for those who need legal support but cannot afford it. She says a driving force behind her studies is the opportunity to give back and make a real impact.
Returning to school has been a sacrifice for McKay. She spends her days caring for her boys, doing homework, and keeping her home running. While she says she has had to temporarily sacrifice a social life, she remembers that growth often comes through discomfort.
“It’s not easy, but it’s absolutely worth it, for the example I’m setting for my boys,” she said. “I truly believe that when one person gains an education, society benefits as a whole. We become better parents, better leaders, and more equipped to give back to our communities.”
McKay says that USU has supported her throughout her return to school. She is grateful to have people around her to help her achieve her dreams.
“I’m incredibly grateful for the support I’ve received from my family, my professors, and generous donors like the Petersens,” she said. “Their kindness has made a lasting impact on my life and given me the confidence to keep pushing forward.”
McKay has always said this journey toward a degree is worth it. For others who are contemplating going back to school, she offered this advice:
“Don’t give up. When there’s a will, there’s a way,” she said. “It might not be easy, but it’s possible. More people are rooting for you than you realize, and more resources are out there than you might think. You have to be willing to seek them out and keep moving forward, one step at a time.”
With locations in Beaver, Bicknell, Cedar City, Delta, Ephraim, Junction, Kanab, Nephi, Panguitch, Richfield, and St. George, Utah State University provides higher education access to rural communities via USU Southwest. With degree options ranging from associate to doctorate degrees and technical education opportunities, USU offers programs that help fuel local economies and empower individuals and their communities. Learn more at southwest.usu.edu.
Marcus Jensen
News Coordinator
University Marketing and Communications
marcus.jensen@usu.edu
Faith Simper
Strategic Enrollment Marketing Manager
USU Uintah Basin/Southwest
faith.nandkeshwar@usu.edu
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