STEPHENVILLE (December 22, 2017) — 2017 is a banner year for Tarleton State University Foundation, Inc., with an increase in scholarship funding and an investment portfolio close to $20 million.
A nonprofit organization, the Foundation provides financial assistance to Tarleton from earnings on endowed funds, gifts and property. It acts independently of the university and The Texas A&M University System solely for the benefit of the school.
Up to 25 new freshmen will begin the fall 2018 semester with a $3,000 scholarship thanks to the Foundation’s work to put a long-standing endowment to greater use. Established to provide short-term loans to students, the James B. Gregory, Mary C. Gregory and Myrtle Nowlin Loan Fund was originally used for tuition and books.
For 2018-19, the endowment will provide scholarships for high achieving high school students invited to apply for early admission to the university.
To date, 16 students have accepted Tarleton’s offer for the upcoming fall.
“We continue to help more and more students through endowed scholarships,” said Foundation President J.D. “Chip” Davis, “empowering them to achieve their academic dreams and transforming them into leaders who excel in their careers and improve communities.”
According to Foundation Administrator Ashleah Baker, turning the Nowlin endowment into a scholarship fund eliminates the need for students to repay the advances and relieves the university of loan collections.
“Scholarships benefit students much more than loans,” she explained, “making the revamped Gregory Nowlin Endowed Scholarship Fund a win-win for everyone.”
The James B. Gregory, Mary C. Gregory and Myrtle Nowlin Loan Fund was created in 1993 from the Gregory Family Trust. All three are Tarleton alumni. James met Mary at Tarleton, and the couple married in 1936. Myrtle, James’s sister, taught school in Comanche County and took summer classes at Tarleton, graduating in 1930.
The Gregory Nowlin Endowed Scholarship Fund is only one of many that make up the Foundation’s investment portfolio, which includes charitable gift annuities and departmental support endowments. The Foundation is managed by an 11-member board that meets twice a year.
Following the economic downturn of 2008-2009, the Foundation’s portfolio dropped below $10 million. Today, it’s a record $20 million and growing.
“While the university receives state funding, it is not the sole source of finances to provide a high-quality, affordable educational experience,” Davis said. “Tarleton relies on private support to fully develop academic and athletic programs, recruit students and faculty, provide scholarships, and construct and update campus facilities.
“Thanks to the solid footing of the Foundation’s investment portfolio and the commitment of a diverse board of directors, private donations keep growing, ensuring we’ll be able to provide financial assistance to future Tarleton Texans.”
For more information on Tarleton State University Foundation, Inc., visit www.tarleton.edu/foundation.
Tarleton, celebrating 100 years as founding member of The Texas A&M University System, provides a student-focused, value-driven educational experience marked by academic innovation and exemplary service, and dedicated to transforming students into tomorrow’s professional leaders. As a member of the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU) with campuses in Stephenville, Fort Worth, Waco, Midlothian and online, Tarleton engages with its communities to provide real-world learning experiences and to address societal needs while maintaining its core values of tradition, integrity, civility, leadership, excellence and service.
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