Dr. Karen M. Clanton Finish What You Started Scholarship Fund Announced

Dr. Karen M. Clanton | Dean Emerita, UAH College of Professional Studies

Michael Mercier | UAH

The University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH), a part of The University of Alabama System, has announced the establishment of a non-endowed scholarship fund to be known as the Dr. Karen M. Clanton Finish What You Started Scholarship Fund. To honor the accomplishments and legacy of Dr. Karen M. Clanton, this scholarship was created to assist upper-level, degree-seeking, non-traditional, undergraduate students who demonstrate a financial need and academic progress.

Dr. Karen M. Clanton recently retired after 35 years of service to UAH. In her role as the founding dean of what is currently the College of Professional Studies (CPS), Dr. Clanton was committed to providing opportunities for returning adults to complete their degrees. In addition, her career in continuing education encompasses increasing student access, external partnerships, and community outreach; starting the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at UAH; and extending learning that leverages the University’s area of expertise for the mutual benefit of the on- and off-campus community.

As part of her commitment to the UAH community, Dr. Clanton was instrumental in the development and growth of Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at UAH.

OLLI at UAH

"For the 2019-2020 academic year, there were only seven nominal awards specifically for non-traditional undergraduates" said Fathia Hardy, Director of Outreach and Support Services in CPS. "With our donors' help, we seek to raise the necessary funds to assist those students. Our goal is to raise $10,000 by fall 2022 to address this need so we can begin awarding funds to deserving scholars. The support of our donors will help increase access to the College’s programs and ensure students with limited financial means have the best chance to succeed in finishing their degrees".

The College began in spring 2017 with four students, and has shown rapid growth to a current cohort of 153 students. The average age of our students is 35, with 46% being female and 18% being veterans. The Bachelor of Arts or Science in Professional Studies is an interdisciplinary program with five concentrations from which students can select. Beginning spring 2022, the College will launch its second degree option, the Bachelor of Science in Engineering Technology. These accomplishments are the result of Dr. Clanton’s hard work and dedication. It is our hope to celebrate her for years to come with this scholarship.

During her time as Dean, Dr. Clanton helped to create a partnership between UAH and Snead State to provide expanded academic opportunities to North Alabama.

College of Professional Studies

"This scholarship will mean so much to our students who, otherwise, may not have had the financial means to complete their degree and achieve their goals", said Kellee Crawford, CPS Academic Success Specialist. "Dr. Clanton has always been such an advocate for our students, doing whatever was necessary to help them succeed while at UAH. This scholarship will honor her support and dedication to students in the College of Professional Studies".

If you would like to consider an investment in aiding non-traditional students and honoring the legacy of Dr. Clanton with a gift to the Dr. Karen M. Clanton Finish What You Started Scholarship Fund please visit CPS.uah.edu/ClantonScholarship.

Our students have the desire, the will, and the courage to return to school, and scholarships such as this will ensure their success.