Director’s focus is to change lives and impact communityJanuary 26, 2021

I have never seen a community with this level of commitment and investment in its citizens,” Dr. Marshall ‘Kelly’ Tribble said.  “The more I learn about the Legacy Scholars program, the more I am excited to be a part of it."

This past December, Midland College (MC) hired Tribble as the director of the re-envisioned program. 

"We are ramping up to change the Legacy Scholars program from one of just giving students access to college to one that helps students engineer their success in college and in the workforce," Tribble explained.

Originally from South Carolina, Tribble is the son of a Baptist minister turned college professor and teacher. He said that he was born to be an educator and always knew what his life’s work would be from a young age.

"It was inevitable,” he said. “The thing that you focus on is what you ride toward. Without some considerable change of force, I was going to be in education. It was an easy transition."

Tribble received a B.A. in Media Arts from the University of South Carolina, an M.Ed. in Instructional Technology and Ph.D. in Education from the University of Georgia in Athens. In 2002, Tribble finished his education with a Graduate Certificate in Higher Education from the University of South Carolina.  

Before joining MC, Tribble worked at Tarrant County College for eight years, first as director of Faculty Development and then as director of Academic Affairs.   

Tribble said that the position as director of the MC Legacy Scholars program intrigued him because it offers an opportunity to inspire students to be more intentional about their education, place in the world and impact on others' lives.  He likes how the program provides students the support and opportunity needed to develop a philanthropic and civic spirit, a strong academic foundation and in-demand leadership skills. 

“Since 1986, the Legacy Scholarship has held open the doors of education to Midland students, Mark Palmer, executive director of Abell-Hanger said.  “We are excited about the evolution of the Legacy program designed to enhance student success. We hope Midland students will pursue the opportunities created by the new program.”

Tribble plans to approach the new phase of the program holistically. 

"We want students to have renewed enthusiasm and a great intention," Tribble explained. "It is easy to become shortsighted. I have found that with a little inspiration and intention, people can set their sights and goals on specific things and achieve a lot more than they would have if they were drifting."

In 1986 trustees of Abell-Hanger Foundation responded to the need for higher education assistance in Midland because of a dramatic downturn in the energy industry that left families with reduced incomes. Since that time, the program has provided scholarships to attend MC to over 15,000 graduates of Midland County high schools.

In 2003, the Helen Greathouse Charitable Trust partnered with Abell-Hanger Foundation, and the scholarship was named the Legacy Scholarship.  Later, the Chaparral Foundation and Scharbauer Foundation joined this rich tradition of supporting MC students to pursue higher education. 

“The Legacy Scholarship program is a springboard for student achievement and a tribute to the vision and dedication of Abell-Hanger Foundation leadership over the years,” Grant Billingsley, executive director of Scharbauer Foundation, Inc., said.  “Improving lives is not easy, but the long-standing history of these scholarships has provided untold opportunities for many, many students and families for nearly 35 years.”

"Just the fact that the Legacy Scholars program exists is a testament to our donors and our foundations and how they made this conscious decision a few decades ago to reinvest in our citizens," Tribble said.

MC Vice President of Student Services Julia Vickery recognizes the program’s value to the Midland community and is excited that Kelly Tribble has joined the Midland College family.

"Legacy weaves throughout the Midland College fabric," Vickery said. "As Legacy grows into a new phase, we are thrilled to have Kelly serve as the custodian and lead. His enthusiasm and commitment to the program’s vision are contagious."

Tribble feels it is a gratifying experience to be here to help people on their journey. The Legacy Scholars Program is now bundled together with students' philanthropic development and with success coaching. 

"Giving students the keys to the door doesn't necessarily help them focus their drive,” he stated. “College can be a difficult challenge. It takes talking to students one on one, finding out what their strengths are, helping them become more self-aware and helping them have more impact on themselves and their community."

The new Legacy Scholars program will go into effect in fall 2021. June 1 is the initial deadline for applicants to receive full consideration, and Midland College will accept applications for six additional weeks.

“We want our Legacy Scholars to be inspired to earn their fortunes in the workforce, contribute and never forget where they came from and how important it is to pay it forward.” Tribble stated. “Whether through volunteerism or financial-giving, we are trying to infuse the Legacy Scholars with a philanthropy-minded approach to their lives.”