Students from the far western counties of North Carolina majoring in music, fine arts or industrial arts at Western Carolina University can tap into a $10,000 scholarship fund set up by Robbinsville native Elaine Howell, a retired U.S. Air Force lieutenant colonel.

Howell, who earned her bachelor’s degree in music education at WCU in 1968, taught band in the N.C. public school system for more than six years before enlisting in the U.S. Air Force. A 1964 graduate of Robbinsville High School, she currently lives in San Antonio, where she was stationed for a portion of her military career.

Although WCU students majoring in music will be given top priority, students majoring in fine or industrial arts also will be eligible. Howell said she included those areas of study in honor of her parents. 

828.227.7124 or 800.492.8496 or give.wcu.edu.