Scholarship Recipient Laurel Cox is an Undergraduate Animal Science and Journalism Student at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville
Nelsonville, OH (August 15, 2025) – Celebrating American cowgirls nationwide, Durango® Boots, in partnership with the Dude Ranch Foundation, awards its second annual National Day of the Cowgirl $30,000 scholarship to University of Tennessee Knoxville student, Laurel Cox. The National Day of the Cowgirl holiday, celebrated each year on September 15th, honors the spirit, strength and contributions of cowgirls across the country. Applications for the 2026 scholarship will be open September 15 through December 31, 2025. Eligible undergraduate students pursuing degrees in the Western industry are encouraged to apply. For more information or to apply for the scholarship, visit https://nationaldayofthecowgirl.com/.
“The Western industry is rooted in traditions such as faith, hard work, and community, and these principles are the foundations of why we created the National Day of the Cowgirl holiday and scholarship” shared Erin DeLong, marketing manager at Durango Boots. “Our second annual scholarship recipient, Laurel Cox, embodies these strong values and we are thrilled to be part of her journey and support system aiding her future as a cowgirl.”
Scholarship recipient Laurel Cox is from Bell Buckle, TN and is currently an undergraduate student at University of Tennessee Knoxville where she studies animal science and journalism. Through her focus on agricultural journalism and broadcasting, Laurel wants to share the stories of the Western industry with the rest of the world, advocating for the industry and making an impact on the next generations of cowgirls.
“There are so many passionate people with powerful stories that need to be shared,” said Laurel Cox. “I want to be the connection between people within the Western industry and the rest of the world. My goal is to tell the full stories of people’s lives and encourage cowgirls everywhere to chase their dreams.”
The National Day of the Cowgirl scholarship, presented by Durango® Boots, will be awarded in the amount of $30,000 distributed over three years of continued education. Each year, the scholarship will be awarded to one undergraduate female student currently in their first year of college who aspires to contribute to the western way of life through the passionate pursuit of a career within the western, agriculture, farm and ranch, equine, or western sports industries.
Continued Laurel, “It means so much to me as a cowgirl who is finding my place in this industry to know that others believe in me. I am so grateful to Durango for creating the National Day of the Cowgirl holiday and its scholarship to help me pursue my educational goals. I am honored to add my name to a hopefully long list of cowgirls who will continue to change the world.”
About Durango® Boots
Founded in 1966, Durango® Boots manufactures and markets quality-crafted western and fashion footwear for men, women, and children. It is a division of Rocky Brands™, a publicly traded company on NASDAQ® under the symbol: RCKY. For more information visit www.durangoboots.com.
About the Dude Ranch Foundation
The Dude Ranch Foundation preserves the heritage and advances the future of America’s dude ranching industry by funding scholarships for higher education, conducting horse safety programs, stewarding a free Western Museum, and protecting millions of acres of historic ranchlands. The Dude Ranch Foundation is a duly incorporated nonprofit organization under the Internal Revenue Service code 501(c)(3). Media Contact: Emily Snayd, HFS Communications, [email protected]
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