Dr. Nancy C. Riley Walton Memorial Scholarship
Honoring a lifetime devoted to education, family, and opportunity.
Dr. Nancy C. Riley Walton devoted her life to education and to the belief that learning could open doors, create opportunities, and prepare young people to make meaningful contributions to society.
Her distinguished career as an educator and administrator included service with Cincinnati Public Schools, Columbus Public Schools, and Akron Public Schools, as well as part-time instruction at the University of Akron.
A Life Dedicated to Education
1961
High School Diploma from Taft Senior High School
1965
B.S. in Education
University of Cincinnati
1978
M.S. in Education
University of Akron
1982
Ph.D. in Education
University of Akron
Education Was a Family Value
Education was a value Dr. Walton embraced personally, practiced professionally, and instilled within her family.
Her commitment to education extended beyond the schools and institutions she served. It was a value carried into her home and shared with her family—a belief in learning, achievement, service, and using one's opportunities to help others.
That shared family commitment to education would ultimately become an important part of how her legacy would be preserved.
Her Legacy Continues
Inspired by her example, her husband and children chose to honor her life's work in a way that reflected what she valued so deeply: education and opportunity.
In 2018, the family established a scholarship fund entrusted to the Lincoln/William Grant Scholarship Foundation, Inc. Beginning in 2019, the Dr. Nancy C. Riley Walton Memorial Scholarship Awards have provided financial assistance to deserving students pursuing a college education.
Through these awards, Dr. Walton's legacy continues from one generation to the next—helping young people pursue their own educational goals and creating opportunities for them to make meaningful contributions to their communities and society.
Her Commitment to Education Lives On
1st
Her Life
Dr. Walton devoted her professional life to teaching, educational leadership, and helping others reach their potential.
Next
Her Family
Education was more than Dr. Walton's profession. It was a value embraced within her family and carried forward through generations.
Then
Her Legacy
Through scholarships awarded in her name, deserving students are given greater opportunity to pursue college, follow their dreams, and build their own futures.
“Her commitment to education did not end with her lifetime. It continues in every student given an opportunity to pursue theirs.”
Continuing Her Legacy
Meet students whose educational journeys have been supported by the Dr. Nancy C. Riley Walton Memorial Scholarship.
Ruhama Michael
Columbia University
2026 Recipient
Gregory "TJ" Jones
North Carolina A&T University
2025 Recipient
Cheriden S. Derkson
Northern Kentucky University
2024 Recipient
Established 2018, the Dr. Nancy C. Riley Walton Memorial Scholarship has provided assistance to
15 STUDENTS SUPPORTED
$15,000+ Scholarship Assistance
And the next chapter is still being written.
A Legacy That Continues Through Education
Dr. Nancy C. Riley Walton spent her life helping others learn, grow, and pursue their potential.
Today, her family continues that work in her name.