Image: John and Innes Hale/Image courtesy of K-State

Innes and John Hale of Kansas City, Missouri, have donated $2 million to the Kansas State University College of Education to support English, speech, and journalism education in Kansas. This is the largest single cash gift in the college’s history and establishes the Luminary Fund for Literary, Performance, and Journalistic Arts Teacher Education. The fund provides scholarships for students pursuing Kansas teaching licenses in English, journalism, speech, and theater education, offering help both when they start the program and during student teaching.

The Hales, both from small Kansas towns, were motivated to give after seeing how support can help future teachers complete their education and begin their careers. They hope the fund will attract students from across the state, especially rural areas, and provide resources like teaching supplies and professional development.

The gift comes at a critical time as Kansas struggles to fill teacher shortages in English language arts, one of the state’s top areas of need. The Hales hope their contribution will inspire others to support aspiring educators through the Luminary Fund.