Scott County Community Foundation has announced a new scholarship endowment fund to support adult students pursuing graduate degrees in the behavioral health field. The G.E. Hill Behavioral Health Scholarship Fund was created to inspire the next generation of compassionate professionals while strengthening the well-being of the community that shaped its namesake.
George E. Hill was born in 1945 near Lake Iola and Morgan’s corn factory in Scottsburg to George and Lottie Hill, the last of four children. The values he learned from his parents included honesty, hard work, personal responsibility, and perseverance. His first job was selling Kool-Aid to farmers delivering sweet corn to the factory. He said that he grew up in a safe and nurturing community that allowed him freedom and independence. His large extended family added to his feelings of safety, security, and acceptance. As a result, he cared for others around him and reached out to the underdogs in his community.
Although his parents didn’t complete high school, and none of his siblings attended college, George was fortunate to have many caring mentors who encouraged a pursuit in higher education. After graduating from Scottsburg High School in 1963, he attended the University of Cincinnati. He paid his way through college working summer factory jobs and participating in ROTC. He graduated in 1968 with a bachelor of arts degree in sociology and psychology.
While on active duty for the U.S. Air Force, he completed graduate work at St. Mary’s University in San Antonio, Texas. He earned his master of arts degree in May 1976. His military service included a tour in Vietnam and work as an Equal Opportunity and Treatment Officer. George then returned home to launch the Scott County Mental Health Clinic, now known as Lifespring. George opened and led the clinic as manager and psychotherapist before serving as an administrator at the organization’s Jeffersonville office, retiring after 30 years in community mental health. Meanwhile, he continued his military career by serving 16 years in the Kentucky Air National Guard as Chief of Social Actions, retiring as a lieutenant colonel in 1991.
George continued his service to the community through leadership with organizations including the Red Cross, Scott County Partnership, Kids Place, and downtown revitalization efforts. He also remained active in his faith, serving in numerous leadership roles in local churches throughout his life.
Today, George lives in Colorado Springs, where he continues serving his community through the Veterans Administration Engagement Board, leadership at a local senior center, and by teaching a weekly Bible study.
“From early childhood I felt a calling to stand with and for those who I saw as being treated unjustly,” shared George. “Almost all my family I saw as compassionate and caring folks – very positive role models. At age 10 I was called to be a disciple of Jesus Christ. At Scottsburg High School I was directed to write a brief essay on the ghost I would most like to meet…my answer was firmly and clearly, the Holy Ghost.”
“Service to others and community have been a consistent and prime focus of my life,” added George. “My nickname at SHS was ‘mother’ due to my caring for and nurturing others. I have been blessed to have many teachers, family and friends in Scott County who mentored, encouraged, and supported me in my youth and adulthood. I believe I was called, spiritually, to return to Scott County. I believe the citizens need and deserve quality behavioral health services.”
While George helped establish behavioral health services in Scott County nearly five decades ago, the need remains significant. County health rankings continue to place Scott County near the bottom statewide for overall health outcomes, and behavioral health providers remain in short supply. The scholarship is intended to help develop the next generation of professionals who will serve Scott County and surrounding communities.
“I hope this scholarship will assist and facilitate the advancement of behavioral health for the citizens of my and many of my ancestors’ birthplace and home,” shared George. “I have a very personal desire to provide a safe and healthy community for my family, daughter Beth Walton, son-in-law Jeremy, and grandsons Gavin and Griffin.”
The G.E. Hill Behavioral Health Scholarship Fund will be available to Scott County residents who graduated from Austin or Scottsburg high schools and are enrolled or eligible to enroll in a graduate program majoring in psychology, sociology, or social work. Applicants must demonstrate community involvement in activities that show compassion and caring behavior.
“George Hill’s life demonstrates how one person’s compassion and commitment can shape a community for generations,” said Jaime Toppe, executive director of the Scott County Community Foundation. “Through this scholarship, his legacy will continue by investing in future behavioral health professionals who will care for others just as he has throughout his life.”
Those interested in donating to the G.E. Hill Behavioral Health Scholarship Fund can make tax-deductible gifts online at www.scottcountyfoundation.org or mail to Scott County Community Foundation; PO Box 25; Scottsburg, IN 47170.
Since awarding its first community grants totaling $50,000 in 1997, the Scott County Community Foundation has served as Scott County’s partner for positive change. Scholarships and grants totaling more than $7 million have helped local students pursue higher education and supported the diverse needs of the community.
