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Sul Ross State University Endowments

Endowments at Sul Ross State University provide lasting support for students, faculty, research, and programs that define the university’s mission. These permanent funds ensure that the impact of philanthropy continues for generations—supporting academic excellence, student success, and the unique educational opportunities of West Texas.

Academic & Faculty Endowments

These endowments strengthen teaching, research, and faculty leadership across the university.

  • Nau Endowed Chair in Habitat Research and Management – Supports faculty leadership and research through the Borderlands Research Institute.

  • Clint Josey Endowed Professor of Range Management – Advances rangeland science and stewardship through faculty support.

  • Eddie Sandoval Industrial Technology Excellence Fund – Enhances scholarships, equipment, and program support in Industrial Technology.

  • Dr. A. Michael Powell Biology Fund – Supports biological sciences education and research.

Student Scholarships & Fellowships

Endowed scholarships and fellowships open doors for students by providing financial assistance and academic opportunity.

  • Victoria and Parker Johnson Endowed Fellowship for Big Game Research

  • Virginia Matthews Law Scholarship Endowment

  • Robert & Laura Eaves Nursing Scholarship

  • Dr. Barbara N. Stone Education Scholarship Endowment

  • Evelyn Bruce Kingsbery Rodeo Scholarship

  • Chase Quine Memorial Bull Riding Scholarship

  • Big Bend Ranch Rodeo Scholarship Fund

  • C.W. “Wobbler” Willbanks Memorial Scholarship Fund

  • SRSU Big Bend Ranch Rodeo Scholarship

  • Lydia Dittmar Rowlings Carpenter Endowment Fund

  • Lora Bell Kunze Lockhart Endowment

For a full list of scholarships click here.

Interested in creating an enowed scholarship? Contact the Office of Development & Advancement.

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Understanding Endowments

Endowments are the hallmark of a great university and the cornerstone for innovative breakthroughs and community impact. Private philanthropic support promotes quality, stability, productivity, and creativity, leaving a lasting legacy to the university and the communities it serves.

Creating an Endowment

Step 1: Make a Gift 
Gift a minimum of $25,000 created with cash, marketable securities, or other assets. Pledges toward that minimum may be made over a period up to five years.

Step 2: Create a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) 
The MOU specifies the donor’s intent and standard procedures for managing endowment funds.

Step 3: Set up your Gift 
The gift may either keep the principal intact and only use the interest generated or enable flexibility to draw down on the principal in alignment with your intent.

Endowment Types

True Endowment
Funds are restricted to preserve the principle. Invested funds generate income that determine the distribution of annual funds to support the purpose of the gift.

Quasi-Endowment
Invested as an endowment but with less restrictions to the principle. At the discretion of the governing board, quasi funds can be expended in full or in discreet portions, as stimulated by the donor’s wishes or the need to the university.

How an Endowment Works

Donated funds (the principal/corpus) are invested to generate income and are reviewed on an annual basis for distribution designated from the endowment between 3-4% of the market value, depending on the entity that is holding and managing the endowment. (Sul Ross Foundation, or the University)

Managing Endowments

To better understand how we distribute funds to support your goals, it is helpful to know and understand the Sul Ross distribution policy. The principal gift that establishes an endowment is always preserved, with only the investment income distributed annually to support the fund’s purpose. Earnings in excess of this distribution are used to build the fund’s market value. Donated funds (the principal) are invested to generate income. Earnings are distributed annually to designated accounts. For the Sul Ross Foundation endowment, earnings are calculated as 4% of the preceding 12-quarter average market value of Foundation assets.

Leave a Legacy

Each endowment represents a lasting investment in Sul Ross State University’s future. Whether supporting students, faculty, research, or cultural programs, endowed gifts ensure that the values and vision of donors continue to shape the university for years to come.

Interested in establishing an endowment or supporting an existing fund? The Office of Development & Advancement is here to help you create a lasting impact.

Questions? Contact Us!

Office of Development & Advancement