UWG Receives $25,000 Gift

The University of West Georgia has received a $25,000 gift to create an endowment for education students and to support the school from a long-time friend.

The Bill Cummings Scholarship establishes $20,000 to provide an annual award to a College of Education undergraduate student who is most deserving as determined by a committee within the college.

Affectionately known as “Goat” on the UWG campus, Cummings is a tireless supporter of the university. He served on the UWG Foundation Board of Trustees from 1982 to 1994 and was instrumental in securing state support for several building projects on campus.

“I am very grateful to Bill and Jenna Lee Cummings for their gift to the University of West Georgia,” said Dr. Beheruz N. Sethna, UWG president and a professor of business administration.

“They have been friends of UWG for many years, and I have much appreciated their personal friendship as well. Their gift will be well used.” Sethna said.

The endowment will award a $500 scholarship for the 2011-2012 academic year and a $1000 scholarship beginning in 2012-2013. It was established in December 2010.

In addition to establishing the scholarship endowment, Cummings and his wife made a $5,000 contribution to support the University Stadium and the Thomas B. Murphy Reading Room.

Cummings retired after a 30-year career as an educator with the Polk School District. He was very active in educator organizations and served twice as the president of the Georgia Association of Educators. He also served in several education leadership positions on the local, state and national levels.

For 26 years, Cummings served in the Georgia House of Representatives, where he represented Polk County and parts of Bartow and Floyd counties. He served in the United States Army in the 82^nd Airborne Division.

Cummings was born in Chester, S. C. and raised in Rockmart, Ga. He is married to the former Jenna Lee Wilson, whom he met at West Georgia College. She is also a retired Polk County educator and alumna of West Georgia College. They attend Rockmart Church of Christ.

They have three children, David, Julie, and Tommy, six grandchildren and four great grandchildren.

Cummings graduated from Rockmart High School and received a junior college degree from West Georgia College. He received an AB degree from Atlanta Christian College. He also received an AB degree from Oglethorpe University. He earned his Masters degree from West Georgia College.