Lee University students Achsah Chettedathu and Blake Harris have been named 2022-23 Tucker Scholar recipients in the natural sciences and mathematics respectively.

The Tucker Foundation Scholarships for Science and Mathematics was established in 2009 with generous donations from the nearby Tucker Foundation. This scholarship is awarded annually to her 1 senior science major and her 1 senior mathematics major, an outstanding student from East Tennessee.

The scholarship was introduced as part of an institutional initiative to strengthen natural sciences and mathematics at Lee University. The donated scholarship was established by the Tucker Foundation on behalf of Mr. and Mrs. Summerfield K. Johnston, Jr.

Chette Datu is a Health Sciences, Allied Health, and Pre-Pro major. She is from Oorthewar and graduated from Oorthewar High School. At Lee, Chettedathu participates in her iMass Scholars Program. She also went on a medical mission trip to Guatemala through Lee this summer.

After graduation, she plans to attend school and become a physician’s assistant, eventually specializing in women’s health, dermatology, or pediatrics.

“I have loved coming to Lee since first grade and sometimes worried about how I could afford it, but God always provides a way,” said Ms Chette Datu. “I am truly grateful for the Tucker Foundation’s generosity and support during his final year at Lee. This was a wonderful surprise and how happy he is to be able to attend PA school after graduating in May.” Words cannot describe it.”

Mr. Harris majored in Mathematics, minors majored in Computer Science and Film. Originally from Kingsport, Tennessee. He graduated from Dobbins Bennett High School. At Lee, he works as a student worker and teacher’s assistant in the mathematics department. He will also be tutoring students in general mathematics courses in the university’s mathematics tutoring office.

After graduating from Lee, he hopes to continue his education through a graduate program in mathematics. Currently, he is considering programs in Applied Mathematics and Data Science. He is able to participate in research projects and is looking for opportunities to participate again at the graduate level.

“I am extremely grateful to have been selected as a Tucker Scholar,” said Harris. “This scholarship will be of great help to me as I am nearing the end of my career at Lee University. I love studying mathematics here and am excited to continue my education through the graduate program.” We still have a long way to go, but I’m glad Lee is off to a strong start!”

The Tucker Foundation also funds two nursing school scholars, Destiny Patterson and Zoe Riggins. Both are back Tucker Scholars who received their four-year renewable nursing scholarships last year.

For more information about Tucker Foundation Endowed Scholarships in Natural Sciences and Mathematics, please contact the Department of Natural Sciences at 614-8275.