The Chafin Law Firm is a small, specialized practice in the heart of the West Virginia coalfields in Mingo County and has represented West Virginia counties seeking damages from drug manufacturers due to the opioid epidemic. The Chafins created this scholarship to support students whose families have been adversely affected by the opioid epidemic.
“We’re honored to have represented the counties and cities in this terrible situation, particularly what’s happened to southern West Virginia,” said H. Truman Chafin, founder of The Chafin Law Firm. “We wanted to do anything we can do to help the community who helped us.”
Truman Chafin served in the West Virginia State Senate from 1982 to 2014 and served as majority leader from 1998 to 2010. Truman Chafin founded the law firm after graduating from Michigan State University College of Law in the late 1970s.
Tish Chafin received her law degree from West Virginia University College of Law and began working at the firm shortly afterward. She was appointed to Marshall’s Board of Governors by then-Governor Bob Wise in 2005 and served two terms. She also previously served as president of the West Virginia State Bar Association from 2010-2011.
Truman Chafin said the decision to establish the scholarship was an easy one, as the older you get, the more important you realize the importance of giving.
“That’s where your real happiness is, to give and not receive,” Truman Chafin said. “We wanted to be able to help someone who is really talented and has the grades and give them the gift that keeps on giving, which is education.”
Amy Saunders, managing director for Marshall’s Center of Excellence for Recovery, said the scholarship will have a positive impact. The Center of Excellence for Recovery aims to increase the well-being of West Virginians through behavioral health, education, prevention, outreach, recovery and applied research initiatives.
“We are grateful for the Chafins’ generosity for creating this funding for our students from Mingo County,” Saunders said. “Many West Virginia youth and families have been affected by opioids and other substance use disorders. This funding will allow us to assist a student who has already worked very hard to overcome challenges in their family and community to provide support to reach their academic dream.”
The scholarship recipient shall be a full-time student and has financial need per the standards of the Office of Student Financial Assistance. First preference is to a student from Mingo County, West Virginia.
The award shall be renewable up to four years, or eight semesters, if the recipient maintains good academic standing of 2.0 GPA or higher. The director of the Center of Excellence and Recovery shall select the recipient and renew the award in cooperation with the Office of Student Financial Assistance.
For information regarding the Chafin Law Firm Scholarship, please contact Marshall University’s Office of Student Financial Assistance at 304-696-3162. To learn more about The Chafin Law Firm, visit www.thechafinlawfirm.com.
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Photo Caption: The Marshall University Foundation announced the establishment of The Chafin Law Firm Scholarship on Monday, Feb. 19. From left is Rosie Brydie, assistant vice president of philanthropy for the Marshall Foundation; Dr. Ron Area, CEO for the Marshall Foundation; Letitia “Tish” Neese Chafin and H. Truman Chafin of The Chafin Law Firm; and Amy Saunders, managing director for Marshall University’s Center of Excellence for Recovery.