Go back

Chris and Laura Binkley create Maxie Dean Grizzard Agriculture Endowment for APSU students

Grizzard
Maxie Dean Grizzard

CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. – Chris and Laura Binkley recently made a generous contribution to the Austin Peay State University Foundation to establish the Maxie Dean Grizzard Agriculture Endowment to benefit APSU students.

Students who have graduated from high schools located in Stewart or Montgomery counties are eligible to receive this scholarship. Applicants must be enrolled full-time at APSU with a major in agriculture and an ACT score between 21 and 23. To renew the scholarship, recipients must maintain a GPA of 2.85. The scholarship can be renewed for up to five years.

Maxie Dean Grizzard was born in Stewart County and moved to Montgomery County as a young boy. Grizzard grew up farming. He was considered a hard-working man in the fields and a devoted husband and step-father at home. Grizzard was retired from Riley Hardware and Montgomery County Farmers Co-op. He attended Grace Community Church, and he passed away on Jan. 6, 2014.

“He was the hardest working man I’ve ever known, and he loved being out on the farm,” Chris Binkley said. “I know that he would be honored knowing that part of his legacy would include this agriculture endowment in his name.”

Endowments are permanently restricted funds managed by the Austin Peay State University Foundation. The amount of each scholarship award may vary and will be determined based upon the value of the endowment and the Foundation spending plan.

To support APSU fundraising initiatives, contact the Office of University Advancement at 931-221-7127.

News Feed

View All News
20251119-food-pantry-ribbon-cutting-4304
APSU board approves Millan Foundation Impact Center naming for expanded food pantry

The naming recognizes the Millan Foundation's transformational gift-in-place donation--APSU's first privately-funded donation of this type--which will expand the food pantry's capacity to serve 35% more students facing food insecurity.

Read More
20250808-commencement-recessional-camera-4-7544
Austin Peay State University to host Fall 2025 commencement ceremonies on Dec. 12

This semester's graduating class includes approximately 1,157 students. Undergraduate and graduate students from each of the university's academic colleges will be recognized.

Read More
goving-tuesday-2025
Austin Peay State University's GOVing Tuesday 2025 surpasses goals, fully funds all projects

All 17 GOVing Tuesday fundable projects were fully funded by the close of the campaign on Dec. 2--with an additional $12,000 raised beyond the goal to support Funds of Excellence across participating areas. In total, the campaign raised $75,670.36--the highest dollar amount and the greatest number of gifts in GOVing Tuesday history.

Read More