New Scholarship Fund Established in Memory of Elmo J. Hurst

The "Elmo J. Hurst Memorial Scholarship Fund" was established in memory of Elmo by his wife Betty Hurst and his family. The scholarship will provide financial support for WV high school students who desire a B.S. degree in Nursing at WVU Tech in Beckley, WV.

Elmo J. Hurst was one of the original 10 incorporators of Beckley Area Foundation in 1985.

“This scholarship will provide an opportunity to high school graduates who desire to obtain a nursing degree that otherwise may not be able to accomplish due to financial hardships. Elmo Hurst was a great advocator of higher education. He was a principal stockholder in three companies located in Beckley, WV that provide in-home care to the elderly and disabled. He realized there was a shortage of Registered Nurses in the Beckley area and nationwide. Hopefully, this scholarship will help address the RN shortage in our area.”
— Valerie Phillips | Daughter of Elmo J. Hurst

Elmo J. Hurst was an outstanding businessman & philanthropist in WV and across the nation for over 50 years. After graduating from WVU in 1953, with a B.S. in Mining Engineering and three years as Lieutenant (J.G.) in the US Navy, he began work as an assistant Chief Engineer and assistant to the VP and GM of Winding Gulf Coals Inc. in WV. He then became VP and GM of Lively Manufacturing & Equipment Co. and J.O. Lively Construction Co.. When these companies were sold to Elgin National Industries in 1969, he became President of both. He retired in 1988 as President of Elgin.

Soon after retiring, he purchased controlling interest in the Miller Bearing Co. and Almega/Tru-Flex, Inc. and became Chairman/CEO of both companies. He was also Chairman/CEO and owned controlling interest of Mountain State Home Care, Inc., AmeriCare Management Services, Inc., Your Choice Home Care, LLC and served on the Board of Directors of several engineering, financial and banking organizations.

The accomplishments of Elmo's professional activities were matched by his philanthropic efforts. He was instrumental in establishing Beckley Area Foundation. He served as chair & member of WVU Foundation Board of Directors for more than 20 years and has also served WVU as a member of the College of Engineering Visiting Committee, the College of Minerals & Energy Resources Advisory Committee, Vice Chairman of "The Campaign" for WVU and the Executive Council of the Alumni Association.

WVU honored him by inducting him into The Order of Vandalia, Woodward Circle, The Irving Stewart Society, and selected him as WVU Mountaineer in 1980. They also honored Elmo and his wife Betty by naming the atrium of the Minerals & Energy Resource Building in their honor.

He generously donated his time and money by serving WV in such organizations as the WV Housing Authority Board, Governor Arch Moore's Advisory Council for Technical Services, the YMCA of Southern WV, and was instrumental in the foundation of the Women's Resource Center in Beckley. One measure of his important contributions to the Beckley community is the Spirit of Beckley Community Service Award he received in 1996.

​Anyone interested in donating to this fund may mail contributions with “Elmo Hurst” in the memo to BAF, 1210 South Kanawha St., Beckley, WV 25801 or click the button below to donate online. If you are interested in starting a scholarship fund or leaving a legacy gift, call BAF at 304-253-3806 or email info@bafwv.org.

Support the Elmo J. Hurst Memorial Scholarship Fund