Hopkinsville Community College (HCC) has announced the creation of the Dr. Ben Self Scholarship Endowment Fund, a new financial aid opportunity designed to support students in the Liberal Arts and Social Sciences (LASS) division who plan to transfer to a four-year college or university.
The endowment was established through a $20,000 initial gift from Dr. Self’s widow, Mrs. Carolyn Self, ensuring that his lifelong passion for education continues to impact future generations.
“Ben was brilliant and well-educated, and he was concerned to educate others. He felt like his job was to make people think,”
said Mrs. Self.
The first scholarship will be awarded in fall 2026 and will help cover tuition, fees, books, and other educational expenses.
A Scholar Dedicated to Education
Dr. Self began his career at HCC in 1968, joining the newly formed faculty when the college operated under the University of Kentucky system. Over his 28-year tenure, he taught a wide variety of courses, including philosophy, religion, English composition, logic, ethics, public speaking, and theater.
Born in Texas in 1931, Self graduated from Rosenberg High School at 16, later earning bachelor’s and master’s degrees in philosophy from Baylor University. He continued his studies at Yale Divinity School and ultimately completed his Ph.D. at Vanderbilt Divinity School.
While at Yale, Dr. Self served as park pastor at Crater Lake National Park — a role through which he met his future wife, Carolyn Cleland.
Service Beyond the Classroom
In addition to his academic career, Dr. Self was deeply committed to faith and community service. He pastored churches in New York City, Tennessee, and Kentucky, and served as interim pastor for numerous congregations across the region. He was a longtime member of First Baptist Church of Hopkinsville, where he served as congregational moderator for over 25 years.
Dr. Self also authored three books, including “Loving God with Your Mind,” and published articles about the Christian faith in various journals and magazines. In the early 1970s, he chaired the Hopkinsville Human Relations Commission, playing a key role in integrating local schools.
“The college is honored to hold a scholarship endowment in memoriam of Dr. Self,”
said HCC President Alissa Young. “He was a well-respected faculty member at HCC for decades and remains a prominent figure in our history.”
Dr. Self and his wife were married for 67 years and raised three sons: Dr. Stephen Self, Timothy Self, and Judge Andrew Self. Their family also includes 10 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.
He died in October 2024 at the age of 93.
Scholarship Details and Eligibility
Students wishing to apply for the Dr. Ben Self Scholarship must meet the following criteria:
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Enrolled in a Liberal Arts and Social Sciences program at HCC
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Intent to transfer to a 4-year college or university
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Enrolled at least part-time
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Maintain a minimum 2.5 GPA
Continuing the Legacy
The Dr. Ben Self Scholarship Endowment Fund is open for contributions. Those who wish to honor Dr. Self’s legacy and support future HCC students can donate by contacting the HCC Advancement Office at (270) 707-3733 or by mailing contributions to:
Hopkinsville Community College
Attn: Advancement Department
P.O. Box 2100
Hopkinsville, KY 42241
