Honoring a Life of Grace, Integrity and Opportunity
When Allison Graves Coho graduated from Millsaps College with her MBA, she became part of a family tradition already woven deeply into the college’s history.
Allison and her parents on her wedding day.
Today, that connection continues through the Allison Graves Coho Scholarship, established by her parents, Drs. Glen R. and Marilyn D. Graves, to honor their daughter’s life, values and enduring impact.
A young Allison in Fairbanks, Alaska.
Allison was born Nov. 14, 1971, and spent her formative years in Jackson, Mississippi, where she was deeply rooted in faith, family and community. A member of Covenant Presbyterian Church, she formed lifelong friendships that remained close throughout her life. She attended First Presbyterian Day School and Jackson Preparatory School, graduating as valedictorian of the Class of 1989.
She also loved Strong River Camp and Farm in Pinola, Mississippi, first attending as a child and later returning as a counselor-in-training and counselor, experiences that reflected her lifelong commitment to service and connection.
Allison earned her MBA on the same day her younger brother, Peter, earned his bachelor’s degree.
Allison earned a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from Vanderbilt University, including a year abroad at the University of Leeds in the United Kingdom, before returning to Jackson to pursue her MBA at Millsaps.
While at Millsaps, she participated in an internship at Entergy Corp., launching a 25-year career with the company.
After working in legislative affairs in Mississippi, Allison transferred to Washington, D.C., in 2006, where she served as director of federal governmental affairs for Entergy, focusing primarily on nuclear energy policy.
Known for her intellect and steady leadership, she was respected nationally for her work on complex energy issues.
But to her family, Allison’s greatest strengths extended well beyond her résumé.
“Allison had the gift of combining grace with professionalism,” her father, Dr. Glen Graves, said. “She was whip smart, but kind and compassionate.”
In Washington, Allison met her husband, Jordan Duncan “Jordy” Coho, and the two built a life filled with friendships, travel and a shared devotion to the Washington Nationals. Those who knew her describe someone who navigated both personal and professional worlds with integrity, warmth and quiet confidence.
That same grace defined the way Allison faced her greatest challenge. After several years of treatment for metastatic breast cancer, she died in 2022 at age 50, approaching her illness, as her family recalls, with determination and without complaint.
The scholarship established in her name reflects both Allison’s values and the lessons her parents hope to pass on to future students.
Allison and Jordy
“I hope students who receive this scholarship appreciate the importance of kindness and honesty when dealing with others,” Dr. Graves said. “And the importance of avoiding divisive vitriol when working with people.”
The Allison Graves Coho Scholarship is awarded to Millsaps students with demonstrated financial need. It is designed to endure, supporting students year after year as they pursue their education with purpose and integrity.
Allison and Jordy
The fund also reflects a deep, multigenerational connection between the Graves family and Millsaps College. Allison was a third-generation Millsaps graduate. Her grandfather worked his way through the college during the Great Depression, graduating in 1936. Her aunt, Sandra, graduated in 1963. Dr. Graves earned his bachelor’s degree in 1966, and Allison’s brother, Peter, received his B.A. from Millsaps in 1996 at the same ceremony at which Allison earned her MBA.
“We wanted to honor Allison’s legacy through a perpetual scholarship at an institution that has been so important to our family,” Dr. Graves said.
As Millsaps looks to the future, the Allison Graves Coho Scholarship stands as both a memorial and a promise, ensuring that Allison’s life, marked by intelligence, kindness and grace, will continue to open doors for students who follow.
Anyone who would like to contribute to the scholarship may do so by sending a gift with the notation, “Allison Graves Coho Scholarship” to: 1701 N. State St., Jackson, MS 39210. Additionally, you can make gifts online, select the “other” options and type in “Allison Graves Coho Scholarship.”