Kenny Wooddell, an alumnus of the university, and his wife established the scholarship to assist students with the financial burden of receiving a college education.
Fairmont State University alumnus Kenny Wooddell and his wife Teresa have established the Kenny & Teresa Wooddell Scholarship at the university. The scholarship will provide assistance for students to help ease the financial burden of earning their college education. In addition to the scholarship, the couple has also set up a planned gift.
According to an article on Fairmont State University’s website, Mike Davis, the president of the university, was quoted as saying of the new scholarship, “We extend our sincere gratitude to Mr. and Mrs. Wooddell for their generous support of Fairmont State University students. Their investment is a powerful affirmation of the value of accessible education and the transformative impact it can have. Scholarships such as these are instrumental in improving student retention and degree completion, helping to ensure that financial barriers do not stand in the way of academic success. Fairmont State is a Great Place to Learn, and it is through the commitment of donors like the Wooddells that we are able to uphold that vision for more students. Their contribution will have a lasting influence on the lives of those they support and on the future of our institution.”
Kenny Wooddell graduated from Fairmont State University in 1971 with a degree in business. After serving in the Army, Wooddell went on to work at a coal mine until the mine ceased operations. Following losing that job, he started his own lawn care company. His financial and business success grew out of earning his business degree from Fairmont State University.
Kenny said, “My business degree helped me figure out how to run the business side of things – taxes, expenses, and planning. I didn’t need a degree to cut grass, but it helped me grow something stable.” He added that advice from a friend also stuck with him through the years to help keep his finances in perspective: “A good friend once told me, if you make $25,000 and save $5,000, you’ll have something someday. But if you make $250,000 and spend $275,000, you’ll be broke. That stuck with me.”
Kenny and Teresa both came from families who didn’t have a lot of money. Speaking of their desire to help individuals who may be in similar positions, Kenny said, “One morning I woke up and thought if we can help somebody from a background like ours finish college, this is what we want to do.”
Marissa Mauro, who serves as the Director of Development of the Fairmont State Foundation, said, “Mr. and Mrs. Wooddells’ gift reflects a profound commitment to education and community. Their story shows that anyone with a vision, regardless of how they started, can leave a lasting impact. Their legacy will support Fairmont State students for decades to come, and we are honored to help fulfill their vision.”
For more information about Fairmont State University, visit the school’s website.