During his life, Duncan Street dedicated himself to serving his community. Now, his former employer Carter County Bank is paying tribute to Street and his legacy of service by establishing a scholarship endowment in his name.
Carter County Bank, a division of Bank of Tennessee, established the scholarship endowment at East Tennessee State University that will benefit students who are graduates of Cloudland High School in Roan Mountain. The endowment is named in memory of Duncan I. Street, former President of Carter County Bank.
The Cloudland High School graduate received a bachelor’s degree in finance from ETSU and joined the Bank of Tennessee as a lender and manager of the Erwin branch in 1990 after starting his career at First Tennessee Bank. In 1994, he moved to Carter County Bank, where he worked as a lender, branch manager and senior vice president before becoming President, a position he held until his death in September, 2015.
“Duncan was a great example of a servant leader,” said Andrew McKeehan, Carter County Market President for Carter County Bank. “Duncan served on many boards within our community. He was willing to volunteer his time and his talents to make our city and county a better place to live and work.”
Street was active in the community as a leader of numerous civic organizations in Carter County, including the Kiwanis Club and Chamber of Commerce, which he served as president and board member. He was also a board member for United Way and the Sycamore Shoals Hospital and Foundation and supported the Roan Mountain Citizens Club and the Cap-the-Gap program for foster children. Street also enjoyed a variety of hobbies and interests, including classic Cadillac cars, University of Tennessee football, traveling, golf and being with people of all walks of life. He was also an avid blood donor.
Not only was he active in his community, Street demonstrated that same dedication in his work life at Carter County Bank.
“Duncan was a great friend and mentor to many in our organization and community,” McKeehan said. “We felt that this scholarship was the perfect way to honor his legacy and to give young people an opportunity to further their education.”
“We look forward to seeing these recipients become future leaders in our community and region,” he added.
In addition to the initial $50,000 endowment, the Bank of Tennessee will make annual contributions to allow for a $1,000 scholarship each year, with the first to be awarded this spring to an eligible student.
“Duncan Street was an unusual individual,” said William B. Greene, chairman of BancTenn Corp., upon establishing the scholarship endowment. “I say that because he wasn’t just an outstanding banker, he was a great teacher. He was a great example of humility, integrity and honesty for our employees and community.”
“But the biggest lesson he taught us was that every day is a gift,” Green added. “Duncan Street was full of love, and I will never forget him.”
Applicants for the Duncan I. Street Scholarship Endowment must be Cloudland High School graduates who are full-time undergraduates at ETSU and have documented financial need. A minimum grade point average of 2.0 upon graduation from CHS is preferred. The scholarship is renewable for up to four years for students who qualify.
For more information, or to contribute to the Duncan I. Street Scholarship Endowment, contact Tisha Harrison, director of Stewardship and Special Projects in the ETSU Office of University Advancement, at 423-439-6145 or by email at harristc@etsu.edu.