Dr. Paul Kittle signs Isbell Scholarship
Photographer: Shannon Wells
FLORENCE. – Officials with the University of North Alabama Foundation received some great news recently. Dr. Paul Kittle, professor of Biology, announced that he would be entering into the Isbell Scholar Program.
The Isbell Scholar program was named in honor of Dr. Raymond Isbell and was designed to allow UNA faculty and staff the opportunity to work an additional year after retirement; however, the salary they would earn is instead given to the University to create an endowed scholarship fund.
‘This is such a unique program to have and we’re so fortunate Dr. Kittle was interested in participating,” said Dr. Deborah Shaw, vice president for University Advancement. “It’s great to know we have amazing faculty members who feel so strongly about education that they’re willing to forgo a year’s salary in order to provide scholarship support for our students.”
Kittle is one of 19 employees who have already participated, or are currently participating in the Isbell Scholar Program. So far this one-of-a-kind program has created 35 different endowments to support the university’s mission of education.
Isbell, who retired as department chair and professor of Chemistry, first initiated the idea of contributing volunteer service after retirement in lieu of salary in 1997. In 2008, the program of funding scholarships in retirement was formalized and the guidelines were developed and in 2011 the program was renamed after Isbell.
For more information on the UNA Foundation: https://www.una.edu/
Media Release/UNA/Bryan Rachal, University Communications
