This article originally appeared in the Hobbs News-Sun.
By Sarah Anderson
This year, the JF Maddox Foundation celebrates a milestone: 30 years of transforming the lives of Lea County students through the Jack Maddox Distinguished Scholarship Program.
What began as a simple student loan program for employees of New Mexico Electric Services envisioned by founder Jack Maddox has evolved into one of the most prestigious and impactful scholarships in the region. In that era, there were no student loan opportunities. But as the national climate shifted, so too did the need to invest in the students of Lea County through a scholarship program.
“We’ve got awfully fine students throughout Lea County. We wanted them to have an opportunity to really excel.” said Don Maddox, Director Emeritus, JF Maddox Foundation.
Three decades later, the results speak for themselves.
Each year, five students are named Maddox Scholars, receiving a $20,000 scholarship to support their college education. Among them, one is selected as the Distinguished Scholar and awarded a full-ride scholarship—covering the full cost of attending the college or university of their choice.
In addition, 15 semi-finalists each receive a one-time $5,000 scholarship, recognizing both their talent and potential. To date, the Foundation has invested over $5 million in local students, naming 155 Maddox Scholars and awarding over 45 one-time scholarships to deserving semi-finalists.
But the numbers only tell part of the story.
The application process itself is not for the faint of heart. Students begin preparing early in their high school careers, shaping themselves not only into academic achievers but well-rounded individuals. Although this is a merit-based scholarship for high achievers, the scholarship seeks more than just GPA and test scores—it looks for leadership, character, and a genuine commitment to making a difference. Because of the quality of applicants, the scholarship is matched dollar for dollar at eight institutions: Hardin-Simmons University, McMurry University, New Mexico State University, Rice University, University of the Southwest, University of New Mexico, Texas Tech University and Texas Christian University.
“It’s hard to articulate all of the ways the JF Maddox Foundation was part of making me who I am today. Long before I started high school, the scholarship drove me to do things like join clubs and do activities to develop the study skills and work ethic that continue to serve me today,” said Daylan Flemmons, 2018 Distinguished Scholar. Flemmons completed her undergraduate degree at Standford University and will begin medical school at Nova Southeastern University in the fall.
The Foundation entrusts the selection to a committee of independent community leaders. These committee members carefully review applications and conduct in-depth interviews with finalists, ultimately choosing the recipients. Their involvement reinforces the idea that this is not just a scholarship—it’s a community investment in future leaders.
That focus on the “whole student” has shaped generations. Past Maddox Scholars have gone on to become doctors, lawyers, engineers, educators, accountants, and community leaders. They serve as living proof that when a community invests in its youth—not just with money, but with faith and opportunity—the results can echo for decades.
In a world where scholarships are often transactional, the Jack Maddox Distinguished Scholarship remains something special: a legacy of belief, vision, and lasting impact.
Here’s to the next 30 years.
Sarah Anderson is the Scholarship Coordinator at the JF Maddox Foundation, a family foundation focused on cultivating big-picture possibilities in Lea County, New Mexico. Through its investments, scholarship program, and leadership institute, the JF Maddox Foundation has transformed the Lea County community, creating opportunities for residents to thrive for generations.
Keep In Touch