Candy (‘06) and Bryan (‘04) Johnson establish scholarship honoring civil rights leader Virginia Martin at APSU

By: Emily Evans October 29, 2026

APSU alumni Candy (‘06) and Bryan (‘04) Johnson. | Contributed photo

CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. — Austin Peay State University alumni Candy (‘06) and Bryan (‘04) Johnson have made a generous gift to establish the Virginia Martin Leadership & Service Endowed Scholarship at APSU. The scholarship honors Virginia Martin, Candy Johnson’s maternal grandmother, who was a Christian missionary, civil rights leader, and tireless advocate for service in the Clarksville community.

The scholarship will support sophomores, juniors, and seniors of any major. Applicants must demonstrate leadership and service through campus and community involvement, maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA, and be enrolled full-time. Recipients may receive the award for multiple years but must reapply annually.

“My grandmother taught us from an early age that service to mankind should always come before self-interest, and she gave me and my cousins many opportunities to help others, which became the foundation of my lifelong commitment to service,” Candy Johnson said. “She often said, ‘If you can do anything, serve somebody without expecting something in return, because that’s what God expects of His followers.’ She treated everyone with dignity, made sure people had an advocate in times of distress, and led by example. Through this scholarship, we hope to support students who share her values and commitment to making a difference in the lives of others.”

Virginia Martin was a respected leader in Clarksville and the wife of World War II veteran, farmer, and longtime Clarksville police officer Otis L. Martin. She served for many years as a member and president of the NAACP and the Commission on Race and Religion (CORR), along with other local civic and advocacy roles. She also owned the well-known Virginia’s Café on College Street and served over 30 years in jail ministry as a Christian missionary. Her legacy of faith, advocacy, and service touched countless lives.

Both Candy and Bryan Johnson are proud Austin Peay graduates whose lives reflect servant leadership, perseverance, and impact—values they hope this scholarship will inspire in future students as they give back to something greater than themselves.

Candy, who completed her degree in public management, credits Austin Peay, alongside the teachings of her family, with shaping the civic leader and lifelong learner she became. Beginning her college journey as a young single mother, she balanced full-time coursework, part-time work, and extensive campus leadership responsibilities.

At APSU, she earned recognition for scholarship, leadership, and service through the Order of Omega, Omicron Delta Kappa, and Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges. She served as a Student Government Association (SGA) senator, chaired SGA’s Community Service Committee, and served as a Governor’s Ambassador to the Office of the President. She also founded APSU Room in the Inn Student Outreach, a student-led initiative supporting individuals experiencing homelessness, and was selected as a representative on the 2005 Homecoming Court. She received the prestigious Meningall Governor’s Cup Award and the Wilbur N. Daniel Service & Leadership Award.

Candy later became the youngest elected official in Clarksville history at age 25 and has continued a career centered on public service, nonprofit leadership, and community impact. She was recognized as Outstanding Young Alumnus at the 2024 Distinguished Alumni Awards.

Bryan, who completed his degree in business administration, played football for four years while earning his degree and was actively involved in volunteer service alongside teammates and through Room in the Inn Student Homeless Outreach. He is also a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity and has remained committed to civic and community engagement throughout his life. He was recognized as Outstanding Young Alumnus at the 2019 Distinguished Alumni Awards.

“The Johnsons’ commitment to honoring Virginia Martin’s legacy through this scholarship demonstrates the lasting impact one person can have on their community,” said Kris Phillips, APSU’s vice president for Alumni, Engagement and Philanthropy. “By supporting students who show dedication to leadership and service, this endowment will help cultivate future leaders who, like Mrs. Martin, understand that true leadership means serving others. This scholarship embodies the Govs For Life Experience by connecting our students to a powerful legacy of service.”

Today, Bryan and Candy continue Virginia Martin’s legacy through their volunteer work. Both serve on numerous boards and strive to help others daily, maintaining successful careers while dedicating themselves to community service.

For the Johnsons, this scholarship reflects a belief that talented students should have the opportunity to shape their futures through education, leadership, and service to others—without unnecessary financial barriers standing in the way.

Invest in the future at APSU

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 establish an endowment, corporate partnership, or support other fundraising initiatives, contact the APSU Division of Alumni, Engagement and Philanthropy at 931-221-7127 or give@apsu.edu.