EMPOWERING FUTURES
Empowering futures through education and opportunity. Continuing the legacy of support.
Frost Briggs Legacy Fund Scholarship
Frost Briggs Legacy Fund Scholarship
Frost Briggs Legacy Fund Scholarship
The Frost-Briggs Legacy Fund was established in 2022 with the principal aim of providing financial support for students attending Jarvis Christian University. The scholarship fund was endowed with $50,000 from the estate of Helen Jackson, the late granddaughter of one of the founding pioneers of Jarvis, Thomas Buchanan Frost. Ms. Jackson operated an art gallery in Washington D.C. and made it her mission to promote Black artists. The proceeds from the sale of her art collection made it possible to start this scholarship fund.
​
Ms. Jackson’s contribution aims to help one of the challenges historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) face: funding. HBCUs are significantly underfunded compared to other privately endowed and state-funded colleges and universities. According to the Century Foundation, the endowment per student at public HBCUs is $7,265 and $24,989 at private HBCUs. The comparative figures for non-HBCUs are $25,390 and $184,409 respectively. The Frost-Briggs Legacy Fund is an example of Black generational wealth being utilized to support an HBCU so that it may continue to thrive and support Black achievement. Frost’s descendants, among others, will continue to contribute to the fund so it can grow and support more Jarvis students in the future. The first scholarships were awarded for the 2023/2024 academic year.
Frost’s descendants migrated across the breadth of the United States while still maintaining their connection to Jarvis. Because of the influence of T.B. Frost and his wife Mattie Briggs and their emphasis on education, they became lawyers, educators, religious leaders, journalists and business owners, among other professions. Thelma Frost Jackson, Frost’s third child, graduated from the then Jarvis Christian Institute in 1920 and went on to receive a Masters Degree at Butler University and a long career in government service. Idavee Wright, the only surviving grandchild of T.B. Frost said, “I was so proud when the family decided to continue the family legacy at Jarvis by using proceeds from Helen’s estate to start the scholarship fund. I am sure that the current family members, as well as generations to come, will help the scholarship fund grow and have a meaningful impact on the school.”
​
​
​
​
Frost-Briggs Legacy Fund Annual Reports
For Annual Reports (990 PF) and any additional information
regarding FBLF activities, go to https://www.guidestar.org. +
+ Copy*: "Frost-Briggs Legacy Fund"
and paste into the search box on the Guidestar home page.
* Copy = hightlight text, right click mouse and choose "copy"
MEET OUR DIRECTORS
Get to know the dedicated individuals who make Frost Briggs Legacy Fund Scholarship possible.
Dr. Annette W. Bridges
Dr. Annette W. Bridges is Director of Early Childhood Education at Simmons College of Kentucky, an HBCU. She is passionate about early teaching and learning and the engagement of parents in their child’s education. Dr. Bridges is author of Preston the Preschooler as told by Marianna. Dr. Bridges lives in Louisville Kentucky with her husband, two children and a grandchild and two great grandsons. She is a member of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
Tracy Jackson Goodeaux
Tracy Jackson Goodeaux is the great-granddaughter of Thomas Buchannan Frost and Mattie Briggs, who both inspired the Frost-Briggs Legacy Fund. Tracy has a background in accounting, compliance and finance, and works for an industry association in Houston, TX. In her free time, she enjoys traveling and spending time with family and friends. Frequent visits to Florida take her to her “Happy Place” with her adorable granddaughter.
Jeffrey Jackson
Now retired, Mr. Jackson’s career focused on economics, finance and enterprise development. Early in his career, Mr. Jackson held positions at the International Monetary Fund, U.S. Treasury Office of International Affairs, and the US Congress Committee on Budget. For nearly twenty-five years, he lived and worked throughout eastern and southern Africa in various positions that involved advising government departments and agencies. He also served as adjunct professor at universities in South Africa and Washington, DC, including the George Washington Elliott School of International Affairs and Graduate School of Business. He currently serves on non-profit boards and mentors young professionals of color.
Erin Golightly
Erin Golightly is a Museum Planning professional with close to a decade of experience in museum strategy and Executive Office operations. Erin is currently at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, where she has co-led the creation of the museum’s inaugural strategic plan, in addition to building and implementing an International Consulate Engagement strategy for the museum’s Advancement team. In her current role at the Academy, Erin administers special initiatives on behalf of the museum Director, including curatorial advisory committees for large scale exhibitions, the Academy Member Inclusion Advisory committee, and other special initiatives for collaborative community building and connectivity throughout the institution. Prior to her work at the Academy, Erin spent six years at the Smithsonian Institution, three of which as a Strategic Advisor to the Secretary, working with leadership across its then thirty-two organizations, creating institutional vision language and building and implementing strategic initiatives for a 21st century museum practice. Erin holds a BA in Urban Studies from Loyola Marymount University, an MA in Museum Studies from the University of San Francisco, and an MBA from New York University.
Michael Thomas Jackson
Michael Thomas Jackson, one of the founding directors of the Frost Biggs Legacy Fund, great-grandson of pioneer builder and first superintendent of now Jarvis Christian University, Rev. Thomas B Frost and Mattie Briggs Frost. I carry his name, Thomas, into the third generation. I previously worked at Jarvis as resident manager of Frost Hall and at present serve on the Jarvis Christian Church board as secretary. Additionally, since my retirement in 2014 I reside in Hawkins on Frost property inherited from my father. It is my desire to continue the Frost legacy by participating as a director of the legacy fund and also passing the land to my children and hopefully they will do the same, continuing the example of supporting excellence and education at Jarvis
Reginald Frost
Reginald Frost is a great grandson of Thomas Buchanan Frost. He has lived and worked in close proximity to Jarvis all his life. Now semi-retired, he has worked in law enforcement and primary agriculture, and is a pillar in the Hawkins community. Reginald has maintained a relationship with Jarvis for many years and served in several capacities.
Thalia Duncan-Alexander
Thalia Duncan-Alexander is a graduate of Jarvis and has a Masters degree in Rehabilitation Counseling. She is a highly skilled and compassionate professional with extensive experience in the field of substance abuse counseling and rehabilitation. As a Licensed Independent Chemical Dependency Counselor and Certified Rehabilitation Counselor, Thalia has dedicated her career to supporting marginalized and underserved populations. Throughout her career, Thalia has worked tirelessly to advocate for individuals from diverse backgrounds, helping to bridge gaps in care, reduce stigma, and facilitate lasting change. Her expertise in working with marginalized groups underscores her commitment to making recovery accessible and inclusive for all.
