The scholarship was established by a gift from the estate of George and Florence McGhee. George Crookham McGhee and Florence Marie Hinson were married in Pickaway County, Ohio on August 9, 1930. At that time, the country was in its worst economic depression, and combined their possessions totaled about $1,000. George was a teacher, farmer, and insurance man, and Florence was a teacher. Through their hard work, they changed their economic position to a degree that allowed them to create this generous scholarship. From their perspective as farmers, Mr. and Mrs. McGhee were greatly affected by the way the government’s decisions were negatively affecting members of the farming community. To that end, they chose to support students working for a Ph.D. in Agricultural Economics, to develop talent and knowledge in an effort to improve the economic and social status of American farmers; and hopefully to one day produce a future U.S. Secretary of Agriculture.