Middle Tennessee State University Athletics
The Dean A. Hayes Family Establish the Pioneers Endowment to Honor Legendary Coach’s and Trailblazer Athletes’ Legacies
10/3/2025 12:30:00 PM | General, Men's Cross Country and Track & Field, Women's Cross Country and Track & Field, BRAA, Track & Field/Cross Country
MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — The Dean A. Hayes family, Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU), and the MTSU Foundation proudly announce the establishment of a permanent scholarship to honor the philosophy of iconic track and field coach Dean Anthony Hayes and the 9 original MTSU Pioneers of the athletic department of the late 1960s and early 1970s (Jerry Singleton, Art Polk, Lonnell Poole, Terry Scott, J.W. Harper, Raymond Bonner, Ed Miller, Mary "Beanie" Secrest, and Willie Brown). The endowment was made possible through a generous gift from Dr. Janice C. Hayes, Kara L. Hayes, and Erin E. Hayes, the beloved wife and daughters of Coach Hayes.
This new endowment supports awards for student-athletes and their families affiliated with MTSU's Blue Raider Athletic Program, with a particular focus on former athletes returning to complete their degrees. Additional awards may support graduate study, athletic competition on the international stage, and emergency grants to student-athletes facing unforeseen financial hardships.
"Dean Hayes wasn't just a coach — he was a mentor, an educator, and a trailblazer," said MTSU President Dr. Sidney A. McPhee. "This endowment embodies his lifelong commitment to providing access to education to all and opening doors to success in life, and we're honored his family and friends have chosen to continue his legacy in this meaningful way."
"Our father poured his heart into MTSU and believed deeply in education, community, and opportunity," said Kara and Erin Hayes. "This endowment will ensure doors continue to open for the next generation of Blue Raider pioneers."
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A Legacy of Excellence
Dean Hayes served as the head coach of MTSU's men's track and field and cross country teams beginning in 1965 and took on leadership of the women's program in 1978. Over nearly six decades, he became one of the most accomplished and respected figures in collegiate athletics. Coach Hayes' impact extended far beyond the track. He forged the path for integrating MTSU's athletic department, famously awarding the university's first varsity scholarship to an African-American athlete — one of the original Blue Raider Pioneers. Under his leadership, MTSU teams captured 59 conference championships, and more than 600 individual athletes became conference champions. He coached 52 All-Americans, 6 NCAA champions, and 24 Olympians, and held leadership roles in U.S. national and international athletics, including the Olympic Games, World Championships, and as a coach for Team Ghana.
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Endowment Focus: Supporting Pioneers and Future Leaders
The Dean A. Hayes Family Pioneers Endowment specifically aims to:
- Support former student-athletes returning to complete their degrees.
- Assist current student-athletes pursuing graduate or undergraduate studies after exhausting athletic eligibility.
- Fund participation in national and international competitions.
- Award grants to student-athletes who are children or grandchildren of MTSU Hall of Fame inductees or children of individual sport governing body All-Americans or those with Letterman status.
- Provide emergency financial support to student-athletes in need (under certain circumstances).
Award recipients will be selected by a rotating Hayes Awards Committee composed of MTSU athletic administrators and coaches. Awards are subject to fund availability and university guidelines.
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About the MTSU Foundation
The MTSU Foundation is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization dedicated to advancing the mission of Middle Tennessee State University through strategic fundraising and stewardship. All contributions to the Dean A. Hayes Family Pioneers Endowment are tax-deductible and will be managed in accordance with Foundation policies and Tennessee law.
To contribute to the Dean A. Hayes Family Pioneers Endowment or learn more, please contact the MTSU Development Office at (615) 898-2502 or visit www.mtsu.edu/give.
