Bobby Ross and Barbara 'Butch' Phillips

This scholarship was established in memory of Bobby Ross and Barbara ‘Butch’ Phillips to bring attention to their support, contributions, and leadership given to Troy University and the Troy Alumni Association. The scholarship has been established to recognize students currently attending Troy University’s Main Campus whose words and actions promote and reflect tremendous pride in their university and future alma mater.

Bobby Phillips

Bobby was the first of his seven siblings to attend college and was the first to admit it would not have been possible without the scholarship he was awarded to play football. Bobby convinced the coach to give him a tryout, and he went on to be a four year starter and was captain in 1959, his senior year. Bobby graduated with a degree in math education, and enjoyed a successful career teaching, coaching, and banking. Bobby was grateful for and always credited his success to his days at Troy. He always commented that without the scholarship his life may have turned out very differently. This sense of gratitude was the inspiration to form the “Coach Clipson Reunion Group”, the Southwest Georgia chapter of the alumni association, and to dedicate years of service to the alumni association as a director. Bobby recruited several student athletes, marching band members, and others to attend the school he loved and was so proud of.

Barbara “Butch” Phillips

Though she never attended Troy University, “Miss Butch” logged more trips to campus and invested more time at the university than most alumni. She attended nearly every homecoming weekend at Troy for 40 years. There were trips to visit her son (Ross, ’84) and on many occasions she accompanied Bobby to Troy for meetings, receptions, and various gatherings of the Troy Alumni Association and its board of directors. Along the way she made many friends within this community of Trojans and was proud of her affiliation with it.

To learn more about Bobby Ross and Butch Phillips please go to https://lmphillips8.wixsite.com/scholarship