Walter and Minnie Bennett Endowed Scholarship

This Walter and Minnie Bennett Endowed Scholarship is established by Walter H. and Cynthia A. Bennett of Huntsville, Texas in memory of their parents, Walter Hugh Bennett, Sr. and Minnie Margaret Bennett. Walter Hugh Bennett was born February 26, 1938, in Beaumont, Texas. He received his B.S. in Sociology at SHSU in 1961 with a minor in Geography, and his M.A. in Sociology in 1962 with minors in Geography and Economics. Dr. Bennett received his Ph.D. from Mississippi State University in 1970. Walter Bennett began his teaching career at SHSU as an instructor in the Sociology Department in 1962 and would later become the Chair of the Department from 1974 to 1994. He is known for his commitment to teaching, his dedication to students and his selfless service to the department, university, Texas Department of Criminal Justice educational programs and the Huntsville community. Minnie Margaret Bennett was born February 4, 1942, in Beaumont, Texas. She received her B.A. in Elementary Education from SHSU in 1962. While attending Sam Houston State University she met and married Walter H. Bennett, Sr. Minnie taught public school for 35 years and was recognized as an Outstanding Teacher in 1997. Minnie’s personal and professional life exemplified the importance of community and family core cultural values in the intellectual and social development of individuals. The Walter and Minnie Bennett Scholarship honors Walter and Minnie Bennett’s lifelong contributions to education, family, and community.