With Award, Recipient Carries on Rebel’s Legacy
Ethan Edmondson’s scholarship memorializes UM student-athlete Joey Embry.
NOVEMBER 8, 2019 BY EMILY REYNOLDS
Ethan Edmondson, a University of Mississippi freshman from Vardaman, Mississippi, is the 2019 recipient of the Joey Embry Memorial Scholarship, expanding the legacy of a beloved student and football player.
Joey Embry was actively involved on the Oxford campus and was dedicated to his academic pursuits. He excelled academically, making both the UMAA Honor Roll and Southeastern Conference academic honor rolls, and left a positive impression on the Ole Miss community through his leadership and commitment on and off the playing field.
Tragically, Embry died in a drowning accident May 19, 1998, just before his fourth season with the Rebels; he was expected to be a major contributor on the offensive line.
The 1998 season was dedicated to Embry, and his teammates memorialized him by wearing his number on their helmets. To have his legacy present at Ole Miss and to keep his spirit alive, the Joey Embry Memorial Scholarship Fund was established to help UM students.
“I am extremely grateful and honored to be receiving this scholarship,” Edmondson said. “Actually, my Dad knew Embry back in high school, and he spoke so highly of him; it made me realize how special this scholarship really is.”
Edmondson is double majoring in political science and economics through the College of Liberal Arts. He hopes to attend law school after receiving his undergraduate degree.
“I have always been very interested in law and would love to become a lawyer. But once I went to my first class at Ole Miss, ‘Intro to American Politics,’ I found I loved it even more. I hope one day to be able to combine the two and be involved in state level politics,” Edmondson said.
Edmondson’s love for Ole Miss and being academically inclined is something he shares with Embry, making this scholarship very fitting.
“My Dad went to Ole Miss so I grew up coming to all the Ole Miss football and baseball games. I love it,” Edmondson explained. “The University of Mississippi is the only school I have ever wanted to attend and was the only school to which I applied during my senior year of high school.”
He has quickly settled into Ole Miss this semester, having already become involved with the Ole Miss club-baseball team, pledging Delta Kappa Epsilon fraternity and working with the Associated Student Body government.
“This scholarship has brought me so many opportunities and allows me to thrive at Ole Miss. I am super excited to see where it takes me and glad I get to help carry on Embry’s legacy here,” Edmondson said.
Since the Embrys have lived in Calhoun and Yalobusha counties, they offer the scholarship in each geographical area. Students interested in applying for the scholarship should speak with their high school guidance counselor.
Gwen Embry, Joey Embry’s mother, said she and her husband, Bill, are pleased that the scholarship was awarded to someone who obviously shares their son’s spirit.
“Joey gave everything for there to be this scholarship and we want to make sure it’s used to the best of its ability – that the students will devote their time and efforts to school and keep their priorities in the right direction,” she said.
The Joey Embry Memorial Scholarship Endowment is open to gifts from individuals and organizations. Checks may be mailed to the University of Mississippi Foundation, with the endowment noted in the memo line, to 406 University Ave., Oxford, MS 38655. Gifts can also be made online by visiting https://give.olemiss.edu.