Sheffield, Ala. – Friday, October 21, 2022 – Two Athens State University students were among ten local recipients of the 2022/2023 Edward Fennel Mauldin Endowed Scholarship awarded through Bank Independent. They were recognized at a reception held in their honor at Founders Hall on the Athens State Campus on October 13th with guests from Bank Independent and Athens State.
The Edward Fennel Mauldin Endowed Scholarship is awarded to qualified, first-generation college students, based on financial need and residency within the seven counties served by Bank Independent.
Rachael Stamps Biffle is a senior from Florence, AL. She is majoring in Elementary Education Grades K-6 and is planning to pursue a teaching position after graduation.
Baylee Dotson is a junior from Decatur, AL and is majoring in Accounting. She plans to get her CPA license and begin her career in accounting after graduation and is considering pursuing a master’s degree in accounting as well.
Bank Independent President Macke Mauldin congratulated Abbie on her achievements, explaining that his father, the late Edward F. Mauldin, never graduated from college, but was a lifelong learner who deeply appreciated the value of the college experience. Mauldin added that his father believed that any exposure to college was better than none at all.
“The banking business is all about investing in people, whether our team members, our customers, our shareholders or the communities we serve,” said Mauldin. “We are so pleased to be able to make this investment in you and hope you make the most of your educational journey. We challenge you to pay it forward through your service to others.”
There are ten Edward Fennel Mauldin Memorial Endowed Scholarships award each year. There are two endowed scholarships dedicated to serve Northwest-Shoals Community College, six scholarships awarded to University of North Alabama students, and two to students at Athens State University.
About Bank Independent
Since 1947, Bank Independent has taken pride in serving the customers who count on us to be there for them when they need us most. With 30 traditional Sales Offices across North Alabama, an on-campus Deshler Tiger Branch, and the Digital Sales Office, we’re committed to providing the best service, designing the most desired products, and creating an overall excellent experience for each and every customer. As a local community bank, we believe in building relationships that run deep and last. All our team members reside in our local communities and believe in giving back through volunteering. To become part of a bank that makes a positive difference in people’s lives, visit us at bibank.com.
About Athens State University
Athens State is an upper-division university, meaning we serve junior-level, senior-level, and graduate students in their pursuit of a degree. This makes us uniquely positioned to help students who want to finish or advance their degrees and ultimately maximize their earning potential. We have a long, rich history, but we are built for the un-traditional college student.
