Retired Columbia State professor offers endowment

Mike Christen, The Daily Herald
·2 min read
Columbia State retired professor of chemistry Dr. B.I. Naddy poses with with Bethany Lay, the Columbia State vice president for advancement and executive director of the Columbia State Foundation.
Columbia State retired professor of chemistry Dr. B.I. Naddy poses with with Bethany Lay, the Columbia State vice president for advancement and executive director of the Columbia State Foundation.

The Columbia State Foundation is now supported an endowment from longtime professor Dr. B.I. Naddy that will fund a new grant program, assisting veterans as they work to seek higher education.

The new program’s name — the Dr. B.I. Naddy Support for Veterans Grant.

“Dr. B.I. Naddy, Columbia State retired professor of chemistry, strongly believes that our country’s veterans are important to protecting and sustaining the freedoms and quality of life we are able to enjoy,” said Bethany Lay, vice president for advancement and executive director of the Columbia State Foundation in a media release.

“He believes it is fitting to show appreciation and to support Veterans. This grant will help meet needs that might interfere with a Veteran being able to complete his/her education at Columbia State.”

Naddy was one of the first faculty members at Columbia State, starting as a professor of chemistry in 1967.

Following his retirement, Naddy continues to participate in events and activities on campus and is active in the community with sharing the happenings at Columbia State .

“Dr. B.I. Naddy’s passion for the success of students has gone beyond his excellent instruction to include supporting all areas that impact student success,” said Dr. Janet F. Smith, Columbia State president in the release. “His care will impact lives for years to come.”

Naddy has contributed several monetary gifts to the college in recent years.

In 2014, he established a scholarship endowment that benefits STEM and pre-professional students continuing their education and moving toward a bachelor's degree or higher.

Naddy also provided funds for a display at the college called "The Alumni Success Project," which highlights the accomplishments of past alumni so current students can see other students' successes post-Columbia State.

In 2018, Naddy was presented with the 2018 Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Philanthropy by Dr. Flora W. Tydings, Tennessee Board of Regents Chancellor.

This article originally appeared on The Daily Herald: Retired Columbia State professor offers endowment