Jonathan Eugene Greer, a junior from Bowling Green, has been awarded Berea College's first George W. and Elgetha Brand Bell Scholarship. The scholarship provides $1,000 for a student preparing for the teaching profession who is accomplished academically and active in campus life. Berea College President Larry D. Shinn made the presentation to Greer.

During his three years at Berea, Greer has been a member of the Black Music Ensemble, the Concert Choir and active in B.A.S.I.C. (Brothers and Sisters in Christ). The education studies major plans to pursue a masters degree at Eastern Kentucky University following graduation from Berea. He says his goals as a teacher include more than just teaching the three R's.

"I believe there is a need for males, especially African-American males, to have positive role models. As a teacher, I believe through my example they might be encouraged. I also plan to have a multi-cultural, interdisciplinary class – not only will we study and embrace diversity and cultural differences, all of the subjects will be connected to each other," Greer said.

The scholarship was established earlier this year by Bell family members, who include grandaughter Alma Johnson Powell, wife of Secretary of State Colin Powell, to honor Mr. and Mrs. Bell and to make the benefits of higher education to available to future generations of Berea students.

George and Elgetha Bell were Kentuckians who attended Berea College in the late 19th century and were among the College's earliest African-American students. George Bell was a teacher and later principal of the first public school in Kentucky, located in Bell County. His wife Elgetha Brand Bell began teaching privately at the age of fourteen and later also was a teacher in Bell County. The couple was honored posthumously as the recipients of the first annual John G. Fee Awards at the College's Founders Day Convocation in October of 2000 for their contributions to education and commitment to service.