The Jeffrey S. Sullivan Theatre Arts Scholarship was established by Joe and Barbara Sullivan in memory of their son, Jeffrey Scott Sullivan, who was killed in a tragic automobile accident in December 1992. Jeffrey's dream was to pursue a career on stage. According to Mrs. Sullivan, the fund will help "to keep our son's dream alive by helping students who are interested in a career in the theatre by assisting them in their quests." Scholarships are awarded to graduates of Parkersburg High School or Parkersburg South High School who exhibit dedication to theatre arts, good character, and leadership qualities. Recipients must also be accepted in a post-high school educational institution and must be pursuing a theatre art major.

Jeffrey Sullivan was born on August 8, 1970, in Charleston, West Virginia. When Jeffrey was two, the family moved to Parkersburg. He attended DeSales Heights' Montessori Program and first grade, Worthington Elementary, Hamilton Junior High, and Parkersburg High School. Jeffrey was involved in Boy Scouts and several activities in high school including football, crew, A Cappella Choir, T-Club, intramural activities, the Sports Carnival, and Junior and Senior Cabinet. Jeffrey also was a member of the Stout Memorial United Methodist Church, where he was active in the junior and adult choirs, served as president of the senior high youth group for three years, and was an acolyte. After graduating from Parkersburg High School, Jeffrey attended West Virginia University at Parkersburg and West Virginia Wesleyan College. He was within a few credits of completing his degree in theatre arts at the time of his death.

Music and drama were a passion for Jeffrey. He was a member of the West Virginia Wesleyan Chorale and the West Virginia Symphony Chorus and participated in many theatre performances in college. He performed four operas in Charleston including "La Bohème" and "Le Nozze de Figaro." Jeffrey was also involved with the Actors Guild of Parkersburg, performing leading roles in "Brigadoon" and "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat."

Jeffrey's father, Joe, died on May 20, 2013. Joe graduated from Charleston High School, attended Center College and Morris Harvey College, and served in the US Marine Corps. He worked in the oil industry for 41 years, and he loved to travel. Jeffrey's mother, Barbara, died on December 29, 2020. She graduated from Weston High School and Morris Harvey College. She was a retired teacher, having taught for many years at Parkersburg High School.