All scholarships can be found in Academic Works.
Louisiana Tech University and the former Office of Multicultural Affairs have created a scholarship to honor the legacy of James Earl Potts and Bertha Bradford-Robinson, who were the first male and female African-American students to attend Louisiana Tech.
Transferring from Grambling College (now Grambling State University), Potts was admitted to Louisiana Tech in the spring of 1965, followed by Bradford-Robinson a few months later. Potts, a native of Quitman, Louisiana, and Bradford-Robinson, a native of Jonesboro, Louisiana, helped blaze a path forward for 28 new African-American students who would enroll at Louisiana Tech in the fall of 1965.
Following Potts and Bradford-Robinson’s enrollment, the African-American student population would continue to grow each year at Louisiana Tech, and by 1968, African-American students were represented in every department on the campus. Bradford-Robinson would eventually earn her degree in early childhood education from Louisiana Tech in 1976.
“I am deeply honored and grateful to have a scholarship in my name at my undergraduate alma mater, Louisiana Tech University. The struggle was real, but it was also necessary. To know that my classmate and I affected change so that African-American students could matriculate at this esteemed university is confirmation that our efforts were not in vain.” –Bertha Bradford-Robinson
“I am truly grateful that a scholarship will be created in James Earl Potts and Bertha Lee Bradford Robinson Honor. It was a long time coming, but I am glad it came in my life time. This is another history making event.” –Shirley Potts Hicks, sister of James Earl Potts
“I just want to express my heartfelt gratitude for acknowledging my father’s work to help bring equality to Louisiana Tech. I am in tears because my father and I shared precious time before his death in 2002 and this was something I know he would have been honored to be a part. Once again thank you, thank you, thank you!” –Toimiken L. Potts, daughter of James Earl Potts
Alumni and Friends of Tech are asked to make donations to the James Potts and Bertha Bradford-Robinson Scholarship Fund. Your contribution will further establish and ensure growth of the scholarship fund. By committing $25 a month for three years you will directly impact the legacy of Ms. Robinson and Mr. Potts.
The scholarship will support educational opportunities for minority students attending Louisiana Tech and will contribute to enriching the cultural and diversity experiences of the university’s campus community. Through its TECH 2020 strategic plan, Louisiana Tech is committed to an unparalleled educational experience that is created through a diverse student community and multi-cultural learning programs and opportunities.
You may give to the scholarship fund clicking the Potts/Robinson Link.
If you have questions please contact Jimmy Washington via email at jwashing@LATech.edu or by phone at 318.257.2067.
