Taya Buxton and Devin Smith Named Inaugural Lee Elder Scholars

April 8, 2022

AUGUSTA, GA. – Taya Buxton has been selected as the inaugural recipient of the Lee Elder Scholarships established at Paine College for an athlete on the women's golf team.

Honoring the legacy of professional golfer Lee Elder, who was awarded an honorary doctoral degree for lifetime achievement from Paine College last April, the scholarships aim to promote opportunities for deserving students through the game of golf. The scholarships, as well as the creation of Paine College's first women's golf program, are funded by Augusta National Golf Club.

"We are excited to welcome an exceptional individual in Taya as our inaugural Lee Elder Scholars and know she will be a wonderful addition to Paine College and our growing golf program," said Dr. Cheryl Evans Jones, President of Paine College. "Lee Elder will always hold a special place in our history, and now, through these scholarships, our students will always be reminded of his many contributions to our community. We continue to thank Augusta National Golf Club for their generosity and investment in the future of our students."

"A year after we bestowed Lee Elder with an honorary degree, naming the first recipients of these scholarships is a proud moment," said Michael L. Thurmond, Chairman of the Board at Paine College. "We look forward to having Taya as part of the Paine community and continuing to develop this wonderful scholarship initiative and our golf program with the support of Augusta National Golf Club."

Buxton will play on the women's golf team at Paine College beginning this fall. Today, she was recognized by Fred Ridley, Chairman of Augusta National Golf Club and the Masters Tournament, during his annual press conference at the 2022 Masters, with Dr. Jones and Dr. Curtis Martin, Assistant for Special Projects, also in attendance.

Taya Buxton, 17 years old, is finishing her senior year at Olentangy Liberty High School in Powell, Ohio, set to graduate with honors. Named captain and Most Valuable Player of her high school team during her senior season, she received the Liberty Coaches Award and was named First Team All-Conference three consecutive years.

"I am honored to be the first women's Lee Elder Scholar and to play on the first women's golf team at Paine College," said Buxton. "Lee Elder was a trailblazer, and it is exciting to be part of building the women's golf program with my fellow teammates. I am so grateful to Paine College and Augusta National Golf Club for this opportunity and can't wait for this fall."

For more information, please reach out to Helene Carter at (803) 664.0080 or Hcarter@paine.edu.