$2.5 million gift to benefit NSU College of Science & Health Professions

(Tahlequah, Okla.)-- Northeastern State University accepted its biggest capital campaign donation to date Nov. 3 in Oklahoma City. NSU alumnus Gregg Wadley and his wife, Dr. Betsy Brackett reaffirmed their commitment to helping Northeastern students and ensuring the universitys future with a pledge of $2.5 million toward the College of Science & Health Professions.

The sizeable contribution is a welcome boost for the universitysPreserve our Past,ENSUre Our Futurecampaign which aims to raise $20.925 million in campaign investments, by focusing on four project areas: opportunities for students, strengthening the faculty, new and revitalized facilities and enhancements in athletics.

Wadley and Brackett will establish two endowed chairs of science in the college by providing $500,000 in funds, which will be submitted to the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education to be matched by the State of Oklahoma.

They also plan to contribute $1 million to a university-wide scholarship endowment.

The couples total contribution of $2.5 million will be honored by the official designation of the Gregg Wadley College of Science & Health Professions. This is the first named college in NSU history.

Wadley and Bracketts commitment directly impacts theENSUrecampaigns goals.

By establishing two endowed chairs of science, Wadley and Bracketts contribution profoundly increases funding for faculty to have new technology and updated equipment in the classroom.

Additionally, it will provide supplementary salary and/or program funding for teaching and research, give NSU faculty access to a national expert for mentoring and enhance the national reputation of NSUs science programs.

The $1 million university-wide scholarship endowment can make dreams of higher education come true for students who wish to attend college but lack the resources.

The endowment will be divided into three areas, with $500,000 going to transfer student scholarships, $300,000 for graduate student scholarships and $200,000 for discretionary scholarships that enhance recruitment and retention.

NSU President Steve Turner agreed contributions like this have a significant impact on students who need assistance.

Private donations to public universities and colleges have never been more important. Gregg Wadley and Dr. Betsy Brackett have shown incredible generosity by providing a gift that will touch the lives of our students for generations. Certainly, other contributions to the campaign will follow, but I will always appreciate how excited Gregg and Betsy were to make such a meaningful contribution to the future of NSU.

Published: 2015-11-06 13:58:57.823000