From Humble Beginnings
Faye Farmer came from humble beginnings, the tenth child of a farming family in North Alabama, she was no stranger to hard work. As life unfolded, Faye found her way to Giles County, Tennessee. Faye worked multiple jobs as a single mom raising her two daughters. When Faye was not at work, she helped her girls maintain focus on their academic studies and taught them the importance of helping others.
One of Faye’s proudest moments was watching both daughters walk across the University of Tennessee Southern’s graduation stage as each earned their degree. Tonya Mullins-Yokley earned her Bachelor of Science degree in 2005. Tina McGill earned her associate degree in 2005 and her Bachelor of Science degree in 2007.
Flash forward to 2023, Faye’s daughters are putting their college degrees to work, and Faye’s legacy of a strong work ethic and giving continues. Mullins-Yokley serves as the Branch Manager of Truist, and McGill is the founder and managing partner of MMAS CPA, both residing in Pulaski, Tennessee. McGill’s daughter is also pursuing a degree in accountancy in the UT system, continuing the legacy of education in their family.
Honoring a Mother’s Strength
Together, Tina and Tonya have chosen to honor their mother’s strength, resiliency, and selfless nature by establishing the Eleanor F. Farmer Scholarship Endowment at the University of Tennessee Southern.
Tina and Tonya want their mom’s legacy to live on through their gift to future students, especially students who “don’t think they have the opportunity to earn a college degree,” says Tonya.
Access to the UT community
Tina recalls, “I was a young mom trying to work and attend night classes. My employer, John Patel, helped connect me with the university. Working at the university was life changing, it allowed me to learn valuable skills from an incredible group of faculty, staff, and co-workers while continuing my education on campus. I want to give other students the same opportunity I had to earn an education while accessing all the UT community has to offer.”
Make a gift to the Eleanor F. Farmer Scholarship EndowmentFormer members of the Boys & Girls Club, who are majoring in accounting, will be given first priority to receive the Eleanor F. Farmer Scholarship Endowment at the University of Tennessee Southern.