Meet Our Donors
David Cotton ’79, ’80
David Cotton ’79, ’80
David Cotton ’79, ’80 began his Southern experience as he was a student in the 1970s. After graduating, he moved to Kentucky and married Carol the next year. They stayed connected to Southern through the years because the University is important to them. David says, “Southern’s focus goes beyond education to include spiritual growth, social development, and community service outreach—all things that are important to us.”
Early in their married life, David and Carol felt a desire to provide opportunities for Southern students. During one of their annual visits to Homecoming, they became acquainted with alumni who had funded endowed scholarships to assist students with their financial needs. After prayerful consideration, they decided to start an endowment to benefit students who are from the public school system or who have limited family support. Both David and Carol attended public schools and felt it’s important for young people to know that someone cares about them.
Setting up an endowment at Southern was very easy, as the Advancement staff arranged the necessary paperwork. They added a little more to the fund each year, and once the endowment was fully funded and the first awards were given, David and Carol were able to meet some of the scholarship recipients. They were thrilled to learn more about their backgrounds, their family situations, and the struggles they are facing while striving to get a Christian education.
To support one of Southern’s funds or scholarships, including the David and Carol Cotton Endowed Scholarship, visit southern.edu/give. For information about establishing a legacy gift, call 423.236.2832.
