University of Evansville to receive $2 million planned estate gift for endowed chair in chemistry

The University of Evansville will receive a $2 million gift from alumna Barbara J. Kolb Price as part of her estate. The gift is to establish an endowed faculty chair in the Robert and Judy Decker Wargel Department of Chemistry. 

According to an article on the University of Evansville’s website, Dr. Kristy Miller, who serves as the Associate Provost for Student Success and Academic Excellence and as a Professor and Chair of the Robert and Judy Decker Wargel Department of Chemistry, was quoted as saying of the planned gift, "Barbara Price's extraordinary generosity has had a meaningful impact on the department's faculty and students for many years. This incredible legacy gift and her friendship is a powerful expression of her belief in what we do in the Department of Chemistry and how we do it. We are deeply thankful for her enduring commitment to the success of our faculty and to the student experience."

Price graduated from Evansville College in 1966 with a Bachelor of Science in Education. She went on to earn a Master of Arts in Chemistry Education from the University of Chicago and a Master of Science in Management from Purdue University. In her career, Price worked at Phillips Petroleum Company as the Vice President of Health, Environment, and Safety. 

In addition to her successful career, Price has also played a role at the University of Evansville for several decades. She has served on the Board of Trustees since 1995 and was awarded  the UE Medal of Honor and the Alumni Association's Edie Bates Volunteer Service Award.

Christopher M. Pietruszkiewicz, the university’s president, said, "Barbara Price embodies what it means to lead with courage and purpose. Her remarkable investment positions our Chemistry program to shape discovery, innovation, and student success well into the future by learning from outstanding faculty who are pushing the boundaries of discovery while mentoring students as they prepare for scientific careers, research, and leadership." 

The new endowed chair position in the Department of Chemistry will provide enhanced faculty retention, lead to more innovation in teaching, and provide students with faculty-led research opportunities. 

Abigail Werling, the Vice President for University Advancement, said, "Barbara Price's generosity is a beautiful reflection of the spirit of service that has defined her life and her passion for teaching and learning. We cannot thank Barbara enough for her vision and for her choice to lead and give so selflessly."

For more information about the University of Evansville, visit the school’s website.