Donors in the Spotlight

The J. Clayton Arnold Challenge

We are thrilled to announce that a good friend of the University of Tennessee has stepped forward to make a $1 million challenge gift to the College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences in support of teacher education.

The donor, who wishes to remain anonymous, has already made a lead gift to the College’s Campaign for Tennessee efforts. This new challenge gift is made in memory of the late J. Clayton Arnold to provide financial assistance to students enrolled in the teacher internship programs at The University of Tennessee, Knoxville.

J. Clayton Arnold, a rural mail carrier in Williamson County, TN earned a $60 per month salary. He received all of his formal education in the two-room Thompsons Station school house, never attending college. However, Mr. Arnold was a smart man who made astute investments throughout his 95 years. These investments allowed him to give The University of Tennessee its first million dollar gift. Mr. Arnold felt that such a gift would most wisely be used to educate future teachers.

“I am loyal to the human race. I believe it is capable if scarcely dreamed-of development. Education has the most important role in the development. The responsibility for this development rests upon us.” – J. Clayton Arnold

By investing in the preparation of teachers, Mr. Arnold saw a multiplier effect saying “out of the funds I have set up, 5,000 students who are planning to be teachers can be helped in the next 50 years. If each of them influences 5,000 children, I feel that my money will help 25 million children.”

J. Clayton Arnold passed away on July 30, 1987 at the age of 95. He was correct; an investment in future educators has a guaranteed return with an impact that lasts beyond a lifetime. In 2009 alone, 82 interns in teacher education received a J. Clayton Arnold Scholarship.

We hope that a teacher has touched your life, as teachers touch the lives of so many, in such a way that inspires you to share J. Clayton Arnold’s desire for “investing in the human race.” Please consider making a transformational gift to support future educators and help us meet the J. Clayton Arnold Challenge!

This is an exciting opportunity to make a difference. To learn more about the challenge and how you can help please contact Randy Atkins at (865) 974-3968 or e-mail matkin11@utk.edu.
To make a gift by mail, please click on the link below:

Donor Form

 

 

Contact the Office of Development

A305 Bailey Education Complex
1122 Volunteer Boulevard
Knoxville, Tennessee 37996 -3400
Phone: 865-974-3968
Fax: 865-974-8321
phowell3@utk.edu