The Volunteer State

P.E.O. came to Tennessee with the organization of Chapter A in Memphis in 1934. Twenty-two years later, Tennessee State Chapter was organized (1956). As of August 2026, the Volunteer State has 61 local P.E.O. Chapters.

Tennessee State Scholarship Information

For more information, contact us at tscpeo2017@gmail.com.

Inez Bailey Scholarship Fund

Graduate Students

This scholarship awards money for Graduate Studies to qualified women from Tennessee. Grants are made on the basis of prior academic achievement, P.E.O. recommendation, and a chapter voice vote. Criteria for selection incorporate P.E.O. Foundation requirements for the scholarship. Renewals may be granted for a maximum of five years.

In order to be considered for scholarship renewal, the recipient must maintain a grade point average of 3.25 or its equivalent. The deadline for applications is February 1st. Applications received by November 1st shall receive first consideration.

Helen Hays Hutton Scholarship

Cottey College Students

Grants are made on the basis of character, personality, high purpose, need, P.E.O. recommendation and chapter voice vote to young women of Tennessee who has been accepted for admission by Cottey College.

Renewals, upon recommendation of Cottey College, shall be given preference over new applicants. In order to be considered for scholarship renewal, the recipient must have a 2.50 grade point average at Cottey College. The deadline for applications is February 1st.

Carolyn G. Ward Music Scholarship

Students in Music

Grants are made on the basis of character, personality, high purpose, need, P.E.O. recommendation, and chapter voice vote to young women of Tennessee who are pursuing an undergraduate degree in music and who have been accepted for admission to an accredited college, university or conservatory.

Scholarships may be renewed for returning students who have maintained a minimum grade-point average of 2.5. Applications for scholarship renewals shall be given preference over new applications; however, such preference shall not prohibit the granting of partial awards to both renewal and new applicants.

Loretta McCoin Memorial Scholarship

High School Seniors

Grants of $2500 are made on the basis of character, personality, high purpose, financial need, P.E.O. recommendation and a chapter voice vote to a young woman who has graduated from an accredited high school with a minimum grade point average of 3.00 on a 4.00 scale and who has been accepted to an accredited four-year college or university within the 50 United States. Applicants shall be a U.S. citizen and a Tennessee resident for 24 months prior to entering college. The deadline for applications is February 1st.

P.E.O. INTERNATIONAL PROJECTS

Interested in Becoming a P.E.O.?

EXECUTIVE BOARD

Tammy Buchanan

President

Vicki Toth

Vice President

Susan Randolph

Organizer

Beth Herlong

Treasurer

Eileen Garner

Secretary

As the United States of America commemorates the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, consider the revolutions, pioneering spirit and milestones achieved over time. Such actions were preceded by a vision for a better opportunity, for independence, and certainly for a brighter future. Belief in that vision led to a call to action. That same spirit of hope and vision remains relevant today. P.E.O.-ing is an action verb that takes us to many places. Membership in P.E.O. answers a call to action moving us to unite and advance opportunities that equip women for Independence. Serving others comes from a place of abundance and gratitude in our own lives to add joy to the lives of others. Thank you for being a difference maker. Thank you for being a member. In all the places we go, remember there is generous opportunity for P.E.O.

Tammy L. Buchanan, Y/Jackson, TN
President , P.E.O. Tennessee State Chapter 2026-2027