JACKSON, TN – Monte Cooper, Jackson Energy Authority (JEA) President/CEO, has announced the establishment of the Ted Austin Memorial Scholarship. This college scholarship will be presented annually by the Jackson-Madison County Sports Hall of Fame to a deserving Jackson-Madison County high school athlete.
Cooper first introduced the scholarship during the President’s report in the March 2026 JEA Board meeting. In the presentation Cooper noted the tremendous impact on life and community Ted Austin made through his athletic accomplishments, family, work history and special role as a JEA Sr. VP and Chief Customer Officer.
“Ted Austin’s total life experiences and heart came together in his work at JEA,” noted Cooper. “Ted dedicated himself to serving community and customers through empathy, concern, yet dedication to his role at JEA. Ted reached people in our community at every level.”
JEA Board President, Monte Jones, following the announcement, added, “This scholarship reflects the sentiment of all at JEA that Ted’s unique presence in family, company and community should be honored and remembered.”
The inaugural Ted Austin Memorial Scholarship will be presented April 16 at the Annual Induction Banquet of the Jackson-Madison County Sports Hall of Fame.
About Ted Austin
Ted Austin, a running back standout at South Side High School and University of TN at Martin, joined JEA as a customer service representative after years of work with the Boy Scouts of America, Coca-Cola of Jackson and the American Heart Association. By the time of Ted’s passing in October 2025, Ted was a Jackson Energy Authority Senior vice-president and Chief Customer Officer reporting directly to the JEA President/CEO.
1 thought on “JEA announces Ted Austin Memorial Scholarship will be presented at Jackson-Madison County Sports Hall of Fame”
Mr. Austin was a great, amazing and humble man. He loved his family and church family at New St. Luke Missionary Baptist Church. He was a very dear friend of mine, he always greeted me with a big smile and a huge everytime we crossed paths. His wife is the most beautiful person right there by his side. Mr. Austin worked hard and to put this scholarship in his memory is amazing to help some young women or young man through school is going to be very helpful. Congratulations team am sure Mr. Austin would be very pleased . Mr. Austin you are truly missed and continue your journey with the Lord.
Your friend in christ Ms. Cassandra Anderson