Charles F. Douglas Scholarship established at Tennessee Technological University

Tennessee Technological University has a new scholarship established for students within the College of Education and Human Sciences thanks to an alumnus, the late Charles F. Douglas. The new scholarship will honor the legacy of Douglas, who passed away earlier this year at age 88.

According to an article on Tennessee Technological University’s website, Lisa Zagumny, who serves as the dean of the university’s College of Education and Human Sciences, was quoted as saying of the scholarship, “Charles F. Douglas exemplified the very heart of what we hope to instill in our graduates – a deep appreciation for the opportunities education provides and a desire to give back so others can succeed. His belief that Tech opened doors for him is a powerful testament to the impact of our university, and his generosity will now open those same doors for future educators. We are incredibly grateful for his legacy and the lives it will continue to shape.”

Douglas graduated from Tennessee Tech in 1961 with a bachelor degree in secondary education and again in 1970 with a master’s degree in counseling and guidance. He spent his life dedicated to helping others and had an innate sense of generosity. He worked as a school counselor and later held a job with the US government. He spent several years living in Germany.

He credited the university with opening doors for him throughout his life and before his death decided he wanted to give back to the university and help students who want to become educators. Douglas left a gift with his friends, Larry, Sherry, and Justin Nance, who used the gift to establish the Charles F. Douglas Scholarship. More funding for the endowment is expected to come from Douglas’ estate.

Sherry Nance helped care for Douglas in his later years, and said of carrying out his wishes, “Charles loved Tennessee Tech, and he always said Tech is what got him started in his career. He wanted to pay it forward and help students who might not have the same opportunity that he had – students who might not be able to afford college.”

For more information about Tennessee Tech, visit the school’s website.