Ginny McTighe Creative Writing Scholarship

The Ginny McTighe Creative Writing Scholarship is available through the University of Central Missouri Alumni Foundation for students in good academic standing at the University of Central Missouri who are enrolled in a program within the Department of English. Preference shall be given to a student with a minor in Creative Writing. This scholarship was established by Ginny McTighe of Warrensburg, Missouri.

Ginny McTighe is a longtime resident of Warrensburg and a passionate advocate for the community and the University of Central Missouri. A graduate of Steinert High School in New Jersey, Ginny worked in banking before moving to Warrensburg in the 1970s. She worked at First State Savings Bank, First United Methodist Church, and was the co-owner and operator of Tom’s Automotive shop. In 1988, Ginny began working at UCM. She first worked in the Alumni office, helping to plan chapter events and managing budgets. She then worked as the office professional for the Faculty Senate. Ginny finished her career as the administrative assistant for the Department of English, and managed Pleiades: Literature in Context, a nationally recognized literary journal published by the department. Ginny retired in 2014 after 27 years of service. She then became a full-time community volunteer, working with various organizations like the Missouri Academy of Science, CLIMB, United Methodist Women, Warrensburg Lions Club, Golden Agers, the Warrensburg Senior Center Advisory Board, UCM Emeriti & Retiree Association, WD 40’s, the VTKC Thunderbird Car Club, and Survival Adult Abuse Center. She also serves as a Johnson County election poll worker, for two terms on the board of the Warrensburg Convention and Visitors Bureau, and as a Civic Member of the Warrensburg Chamber of Commerce. For many years, Ginny contributed annual gifts to the Department of English for a creative writing award in her name to encourage students to pursue careers in english and writing. In 2025, Ginny endowed the award with the UCM Alumni Foundation to ensure its continuing impact on deserving students.