Donald Taylor Scholarship

The Donald Taylor Scholarship was originally established in February 2015 with a gift made by The University of Akron Developmental Programs faculty in honor of Donald Taylors’s legacy and pride in his alma mater (UA). The scholarship was revised in 2024 to update the candidate requirements and selection process of the scholarship.

Mr. Taylor joined the University in 1987 and held several part-time teaching titles before becoming a full-time college lecturer in 2001 in the Department of Developmental Programs. In 2003, he received special recognition from the Office of Accessibility, determined by student recommendation, for his affirmation and support of students with disabilities in the classroom. In 2004, Mr. Taylor also was honored with the Diversity Award by the Office of Multicultural Development for his contributions to an improved campus climate. He retired in 2011, but he continued as a part-time senior college lecturer and tutor in both Developmental Programs and the Division of Student Success.

Mr. Taylor’s career-long commitment to education reflects his dedication to student success on a personal and academic level. The establishment of The Donald Taylor Scholarship is a fitting tribute to his commitment to student achievement.

To qualify for The Donald Taylor Scholarship, potential recipients must satisfy one of two specified sets of criteria.

First preference shall be given to students who have completed what is currently known as a developmental course, which is a non-credit preparatory course. The student must maintain good academic standing both overall and specifically in their developmental course(s). In addition, the applicant must furnish a letter of recommendation from staff in UA’s Adult Focus, a Developmental Program instructor, or any office at The University of Akron that provides service to adult students. Alternatively, the student may be nominated by one of these groups.

If no student qualifies based on the above criteria, then a first-generation college student who is in good academic standing or a student with a documented disability who is in good academic standing may be considered for the scholarship.

The selection process for scholarship recipients will be conducted by the staff of UA’s Adult Focus. The number of scholarships awarded and their respective amounts may vary based on the availability of funds.