Auto Bridge Ghana Enters Market to Simplify Vehicle Importation and
Ghanaian Student Esther Benyi Among Four Honored with MTSU’s Prestigious June S. Anderson Scholarship
Murfreesboro, TN — Ghanaian-born student Esther Benyi is one of four inspiring women at Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) to receive the June S. Anderson Scholarship for the 2025–26 academic year, an honor recognizing nontraditional students pursuing degrees in fields where women remain underrepresented.
Now living in La Vergne, Tennessee, Benyi is a senior majoring in aviation management—a field long dominated by men. After moving to the U.S. six years ago, she has worked tirelessly to adapt to a new culture while chasing her academic and professional goals. “This recognition motivates me to keep striving for my dreams,” Benyi shared, reflecting on the scholarship’s impact on her journey.
Alongside Benyi, three other remarkable women received the scholarship:
-
Sydnee Sommers of Nashville, a passionate animal science major and California-raised surfer who juggles three jobs while preparing for a career in the beef cattle industry.
-
Courtney Potts of Columbia, a criminal justice major, single mother of two, and advocate for domestic violence survivors, who plans to pursue law school.
-
Jacqueline “Jackie” Kannady of Clarksville, also studying criminal justice, who says the award gave her “purpose to finish” her bachelor’s degree and hopes to work in child services.
The June S. Anderson Foundation also recognized Maigan Wipfli, MTSU’s Director of First-Year and Nontraditional Student Engagement, as Outstanding Mentor for Women. “June Anderson fought for our students no matter who they were,” Wipfli said. “I hope I’ve helped students in the same way.”
Established in 1982 by the late chemistry professor June S. Anderson, the foundation has awarded more than $520,000 in scholarships to 128 students over the past 43 years—continuing Anderson’s mission to empower women to break barriers and thrive in their chosen fields.
For Esther Benyi, the Ghanaian scholar breaking ceilings in aviation, the award is more than financial support—it’s a symbol of possibility and perseverance.
