New Scholarship Connects Graham Graduates with Bluefield University
Photo provided by Rampage student photographer Savannah Thompson.
Graham High School (GHS) students planning to attend Bluefield University now have a new scholarship opportunity that could help with the cost of college.
BU trustee Jack Reasor and his wife Cindy recently established the Reasor Family Graham High School Scholarship for graduates who choose to attend Bluefield University. According to the BU website, the scholarship is available for GHS students who enroll in on-campus BU classes during the fall semester, beginning with the GHS class of 2026.
Bryan Worrall, Bluefield University’s vice president for advancement, said students can continue receiving the scholarship throughout their undergraduate careers if funding is available and they remain in good academic standing. The scholarship is specifically for tuition, and the amount will depend on the number of eligible students and the growth of the endowed fund.
Austin Bolden, associate director of financial aid, said the scholarship can provide up to $1,000 per student per year and is renewable based on the availability of funds. The scholarship currently has $10,000 available, meaning it can support up to 10 students.
Students do not have to wait for a specific scholarship deadline. Instead, the scholarship is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis until the funds run out. Bolden said there is no separate application process because the Bluefield University Office of Admissions determines the scholarship recipients. Students must accept their offer of admission to secure the scholarship funds.
The scholarship has a personal meaning for the Reasor family. Jack Reasor and his family lived in Bluefield, Virginia, for more than 15 years. His daughter Megan graduated from Graham High School, while his son Bryan also attended public schools in the area.
“Both of our children were born in Tazewell County,” Reasor said in a press release published by Bluefield University.
Reasor is a former Virginia state senator, longtime business leader, and chair of Bluefield University’s Board of Trustees.
“This scholarship recognizes the support Graham High School provided to our family and the importance of local public schools to our community and to this university,” Reasor said in the BU press release.
Worrall said the Reasor family wanted to strengthen the connection between Graham High School and Bluefield University while making college more accessible to local students.
“We hope this scholarship will help local students see that college education is attainable and affordable,” Worrall said.
Bolden said students can receive the Reasor Scholarship in addition to other forms of financial aid, including institutional scholarships, outside or private scholarships, grants, and loans, when applicable.
According to the BU press release, part of the Reasors’ gift will be available to students who enrolled in fall of 2026, while additional funds will go toward an endowed scholarship for future Graham graduates. Worrall said the scholarship could also help students who want to pursue careers that benefit Southwest Virginia, including healthcare.
He gave the example of a Graham student who wants to become a doctor. That student could attend Bluefield University, use the scholarship toward their undergraduate education, and potentially continue through medical school without taking on as much undergraduate debt.
“I hope one day the scholarship fund grows to the point where we can say every Graham high school grad can attend BU knowing that they will graduate with little to no college debt,” Worrall said.
Bluefield University president Steve Peterson also said the scholarship will benefit the local community.
“This scholarship is a meaningful investment in local students and local families,” Dr. Peterson said in the BU press release.
For Graham graduates considering Bluefield University, the scholarship could provide financial help while allowing them to stay close to home. Since the scholarship is first-come, first-served, students interested in the scholarship should reach out to the Bluefield University Admissions Office as soon as possible to see if they qualify. Interested students can also apply for admission. Bolden said students should contact the Admissions Office early to learn more about the scholarship.