St. Luke’s Church, Jacksonville, Donates $25,000 to JSU College of Education in Memory of Deacon Stan Easton

St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Jacksonville, AL has generously donated $25,000 to the Dr. Stan Easton Memorial Scholarship Fund at Jacksonville State University’s College of Education. This donation was made on Monday, December 9, 2024.

Established by the Wardens, Vestry, and Rector of St. Luke’s in memory of their late deacon, Dr. Stan E. Easton, and accepted into the Teacher Education Program in the College of Education and Professional Studies at JSU College of Education, the scholarship provides an annual $1,000 award to a junior or senior majoring in secondary education. Eligible applicants must be full-time students, have a verified FAFSA on file, and maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0. The award is made in the spring. 

The late Deacon Stan Easton, a devoted servant of St. Luke’s for nearly 33 years, was ordained in Idaho and began his ministry at the parish in 1990, the same year he joined JSU’s faculty. Remembered as a kind, compassionate, and wise leader, Stan was passionate about campus ministry, St. Luke’s monthly Beans & Rice Ministry, and advocacy through Alabama Arise.  

“Stan was often quiet, but when he spoke, you needed to pay attention,” said the Rev. Robert Fowler, III, Rector of St. Luke’s. “He was kind and compassionate, patient and wise. He was not afraid to speak up for the marginalized.” 

A Washington state native, Dr. Easton earned his Ed.D. from LSU and served as department head of Secondary Education at JSU during his tenure. Colleagues and parishioners alike described him as a generous and selfless individual, dedicated to education and helping others without seeking recognition. He passed away on July 10, 2023.  

The scholarship honors his enduring legacy of compassion, wisdom, and commitment to education, ensuring his impact will continue to shape future generations of educators. 

Photo Credit: St Luke, Jacksonville. (Pictured: Saige Trainor, the first scholarship recipient holding the check with Dr. Easton’s wife Tienhan Ma during the presentation.)

The writer is the Director of Communications. She can be reached at nana@dioala.org