Scholarship named for former administrator of Reinhardt University

A scholarship has been established in honor of a longtime Reinhardt University administrator who was described by her peers as being a light in the community.

JoEllen Wilson of Canton worked for Reinhardt for more than three decades before retiring this past June. She graduated from Reinhardt College in 1961, and, about 20 years later, returned as a part-time alumni director.

Throughout her career, Wilson has held many positions with the university.

She was appointed special assistant to the president and was named the first female vice president in the history of the university. Wilson also served as the vice president of external affairs and the interim vice president of student affairs. She finished out her career over the summer as the vice president for advancement.

Reinhardt University has now named its Advancement Office "The JoEllen Bell Wilson '61 Office of Advancement" in her honor. It is located in the university's new Welcome Center in Waleska.

"The JoEllen Bell Wilson Office of Advancement is a wonderful recognition of the impact JoEllen made on her alma mater. Over her long, distinguished career with Reinhardt, she played a significant role in the university's most successful alumni and fundraising activities. We are privileged to have on our campus a physical reminder of her friendship and loyalty," said Reinhardt President Dr. Kina Mallard.

At the dedication event on Oct. 23, Reinhardt officials also announced the creation of the JoEllen Bell Wilson '61 Endowed Scholarship Fund, which was launched with a gift from her husband of 53 years, John Wilson. When fully funded, the scholarship will benefit deserving students whose demonstrated need for financial assistance is the only selection criteria, a press release states.

"I have been the recipient of so much support since my early days as a student at Reinhardt, and I'm honored by the establishment of this fund," Wilson said. "Students who are getting a start in their education, and perhaps struggle to find their footing academically, need lots of support. I hope this scholarship will be a hand-up for those students who need the financial support and encouragement to work hard toward the accomplishment of their dreams."

Anyone wishing to contribute to the Wilson Scholarship Fund can contact Tim Norton, vice president for advancement and marketing, at (770) 720-5545, by email to tan@reinhardt.edu, or make a gift online at www.reinhardt.edu/givenow .

Source: Scholarship named for former administrator of Reinhardt University