COLUMBIA, KY - A new Lindsey Wilson College scholarship will honor the memory and service of a Russell County sheriff’s deputy who was killed this year in the line of duty.

Beginning in fall 2025, Lindsey Wilson will award the Joshua C. Phipps Memorial Scholarship. The four-year, full-tuition scholarship will be awarded annually to a senior from Adair County High School or Russell County High School as “a tribute to Joshua’s selfless sacrifice to our communities,” said Lindsey Wilson President William T. Luckey.

Phipps, 38 and a former Lindsey Wilson student, died in September while helping Kentucky State Police and other agencies search on foot for a suspect. Phipps served with the Russell County Sheriff’s Office for three years and previously served with the Louisville Metro Police Department.

“We are committed to supporting local students who share Joshua’s enduring qualities and want to make a positive difference serving others,” said Luckey. “This scholarship will be awarded perpetually, ensuring that Joshua’s legacy continues to positively shape Adair County and Russell County students for many years. The scholarship is a testament to the enduring legacy of Joshua’s service and love for others, ensuring that his memory lives on in the hearts and minds of future generations of Lindsey Wilson graduates.”