Isbell Scholars

A Service Opportunity for Retired UNA Employees

 

University employees who are near retirement may submit a request to their immediate supervisor to be designated as an Isbell Scholar. This program allows employees an opportunity to be employed one additional year after retirement for the purpose of establishing an endowment fund to support the mission of the University.  Up to one year of additional volunteer service is permissible but it must be requested annually and approved on an annual basis by the department chair or unit head and dean or cost center head. 

Dr. Raymond Isbell first initiated the idea of contributing volunteer service after retirement in lieu of salary in 1997. In 2008, the program of funding scholarships in retirement was formalized and guidelines were developed. In 2011 the program was renamed after Dr. Isbell.

DR. RAYMOND ISBELL, a native of Colbert County and a 1953 graduate of UNA, joined the faculty as an associate professor of chemistry in 1965.  In 1973, he was named head of the department of chemistry and served in that capacity until he retired in 1997.  He then donated a year of service to his department to establish a scholarship at the University.  Many employees inspired by Dr. Isbell's generous act have since volunteered to remain in their job after retirement to establish additional educational endowments.

For more information on the Isbell Scholar Program, contact Morgan Fowler at menixon@una.edu or 256.765.4809