INSTITUTE, W.Va. — West Virginia State University (WVSU) has announced the establishment of the Charles and Eva Ledbetter Endowed Scholarship Fund, created to support undergraduate students at the university.
Established with a $100,000 commitment by Dr. Charles T. Ledbetter and Eva N. Ledbetter, the endowed scholarship reflects the couple’s longstanding dedication to education, student success, and service to the university and surrounding communities.
Eva Ledbetter dedicated more than 35 years to elementary education, serving students in schools across California, Missouri, Kansas, North Carolina, and West Virginia. Recognized as an accomplished K-6 educator, her career was defined by a commitment to student growth and academic excellence.
Charles Ledbetter retired from the U.S. Army after a distinguished 20-year military career, achieving the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. He later devoted 30 years of service to West Virginia State University, where he served in both academic and administrative leadership roles.
During his tenure at the university, Charles Ledbetter served as professor, Vice President for Student Affairs, Executive Assistant to the President and Chief of Staff, Department Chair, and Dean of the Professional Studies Division. He also chaired the committees responsible for establishing both the Alpha Iota Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. endowed scholarship fund and the West Virginia State University Faculty Endowed Scholarship Fund.
Throughout their careers, the Ledbetters have been recognized for their leadership, volunteerism, and service in the communities where they have lived. Their contributions have included support for multigenerational and multicultural initiatives, stewardship efforts, special events, advisory boards, and nonprofit and corporate boards of directors.
The couple said their primary goal in establishing the scholarship is to provide financial assistance to students pursuing an education at West Virginia State University while encouraging fellow retirees to remain engaged with and invested in the institution’s future.
The Charles and Eva Ledbetter Endowed Scholarship Fund will provide support to full-time undergraduate students in good academic standing who demonstrate financial need. Preference will be given to students whose permanent residence is outside the state of West Virginia. Eligible students must maintain a minimum 2.5 grade point average on a 4.0 scale, and scholarship awards may be renewable based on satisfactory academic progress.
The endowed scholarship is part of the State of Tomorrow Capital Campaign, which seeks to raise $25 million to elevate student experiences, strengthen academic programs, expand campus resources, and sustain WVSU’s legacy as a vital partner in West Virginia’s growth.
For more information about the State of Tomorrow Campaign and how to contribute visit www.wvstateu.edu/stateoftomorrow.
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