Three McDonough County college students were awarded the Nathan Cobb Memorial Scholarship by the Nathan Cobb Memorial Foundation (NCMF). Natalie Willey and Brianna Cox-Petty will each receive $5,000 that can be used towards tuition, books or room and board. Arup Devnath, who is expected to graduate from Western Illinois University in December will receive a $2,500 award.
Willey is a 2026 graduate of Bushnell Prairie City High School and is attending Illinois College, majoring in Nursing. With the desire to serve others and make a positive impact on her community, she wants to provide compassionate care at a time when individuals are likely most vulnerable. Cox-Petty is currently attending Spoon River College. Upon completion of her associate’s degree, she plans to transfer to WIU and pursue a Bachelor of Science degree in Social Work. Cox-Petty’s educational goal is to become a resource and a support advocate for families who are navigating through the hardships of raising a child with high support needs. Devnath is currently a graduate student pursuing a Master of Science in GIS and Geography at Western Illinois University. He currently works as a graduate assistant at the WIU GIS Center, supporting Illinois' statewide NG911 emergency dispatch mapping program. After graduation in December, Devnath plans to pursue a Ph.D. focused on sustainable development, disaster risk, community vulnerability, and urban accessibility research.
This special scholarship was created in memory of McDonough County resident Nathan Cobb, a proud team member of Western Illinois Regional Council (WIRC), who was known for his kindness and compassion to help others in need. WIRC staff evaluates all scholarship applications and narrows down the applicant field based upon the following guidelines; be a McDonough County resident, complete a short essay, meet income guidelines and have at least two letters of recommendation. The Cobb Scholarship Review Committee, Suzan Nash, Shay Butler and Tracy Camden, who then make the final determination. The funds are distributed by the NCMF directly to the awardee’s college or university.
“All three students were thrilled when they received notification of this award. They know the impact this will have for each of them as they continue their education and pursue their career goals,” said Nash, chair of the Cobb Scholarship Committee.
The Nathan Cobb Memorial Scholarship is made possible through the generosity of Janet and Lee Cobb to honor their son’s legacy and is awarded through the Nathan Cobb Memorial Foundation.
