Ricky Skaggs Has University Scholarship Named After Him

Ricky Skaggs may not have ever attended college, but he is about to help other students obtain a college degree.

Tennessee's Carson-Newman University, a private, Christian liberal arts college, has announced the establishment of the Ricky Skaggs Endowed Scholarship, as part of the institution's $25 million campaign focusing on student scholarships.

“I am very honored to have a scholarship in my name,” Skaggs says. “And there is no university that I know of anywhere that I’d rather have it sit and rest as Carson-Newman.”

The 59-year-old just penned his first book, 'Kentucky Traveler,' which he says was a lengthy labor of love to complete.

"Me and books didn’t get along when I was a kid in school, he tells The Boot. "I was not a real fan of books. But I was so enthralled with music all my life, and I’ve had so many great opportunities to play with so many people, and of course that’s what’s in the book. It talks about all the people that I’ve got the chance to work with over the years.”

To find out how to donate to the Ricky Skaggs Endowed Scholarship, click here.

Skaggs is spending much of the fall on the road, touring with Bruce Hornsby in support of their recent album, 'Cluck Ol' Hen,' which debuted at the top of the bluegrass charts. He is also working on an album of duets with his wife, Sharon White.

See all of Skaggs' upcoming shows here.