ALEXANDRIA, VA, September 14, 2026 — The North American Renderers Association (NARA) is pleased to announce Ava Goodpasture as the inaugural recipient of the Owen Vickers Memorial Scholarship.
Established earlier this year in memory of longtime rendering industry leader T. Owen Vickers, Sr., a third-generation leader of Birmingham Hide & Tallow Co. (BHT ReSources), the scholarship supports students pursuing higher education while honoring Vickers’ longstanding commitment to the rendering industry and to investing in future generations. The recipient receives $2,500 per year for two years, for a total scholarship award of $5,000.
“Owen believed the rendering industry’s future depends on the people who come after us. Establishing this scholarship in his name is a fitting tribute to a man who spent his life building a family business, strengthening our industry, and quietly investing in the next generation,” said Michael Glenn, Chief Executive Officer & President, BHT ReSources. “We are proud that Ava Goodpasture is the inaugural recipient. Her family’s multi-generational connection to rendering makes this award especially meaningful. On behalf of everyone at BHT ReSources, we congratulate Ava and wish her every success as she continues her studies.”
Ava Goodpasture
Goodpasture is currently a student at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, where she is pursuing a degree in Business Management – Human Resources. She anticipates graduating in 2029.
“Receiving this scholarship means so much because rendering has been a part of my family for three generations,” Goodpasture said. “My parents personally knew Owen Vickers, which makes being the inaugural recipient even more special, and I’m grateful to carry that connection forward as I continue my education and work toward my future.”
Through the Owen Vickers Memorial Scholarship, NARA continues its commitment to supporting education and the next generation while recognizing the people whose contributions have helped shape the rendering industry.
