More than 70 students have benefitted from the legacy of Dr. Littleton H. Mason over the past 30 years. Dr. Mason spent over 17 years of his career at Chattanooga City College and the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. He was dedicated to helping students and the community fulfill the “dream of equality.” In memory of this life-long passion, Dr. Mason’s family established the Littleton H. Mason Scholarship. Unlike other scholarships based in an area of study, the Littleton H. Mason Scholarship is awarded by UTC’s Multicultural Center to students who are keeping Dr. Mason’s “dream of equality” alive.

Tajeahia Thompson, a UTC student from Dr. Mason’s own hometown of Memphis, Tenn. was a recent recipient of the scholarship. Tajeahia explained how the scholarship was a relief from the stress of tuition and allowed her to really focus on her studies. Since being on campus, she’s participated in Freshmen Senate (2020-2021), made the Dean’s list and completed a study abroad program in Costa Rica. The students benefiting from the Littleton H. Mason Scholarship are from academic programs across campus; Tajeahia is studying Modern and Classical Languages and Literatures.

Dr. Mason’s commitment to young people and passion for equality inspired the beginning of this scholarship, but it has grown over the years through the generosity of others. To those people Tajeahia would say “I truly can’t thank you enough.”

Tajeahia Thompson

Major: Modern and Classical Languages and Literature
Hometown: Memphis, Tenn.
Awards: Dean’s List