Building a Legacy of Opportunity: Wooddells establish endowed scholarship
For Kenny and Teresa Wooddell, giving back is not about recognition. It is about gratitude, purpose, and creating a legacy that will outlive them in service to students who need a helping hand.
With a gift to the Fairmont State Foundation, the Wooddells have established the Kenny & Teresa Wooddell Scholarship, an endowed fund designed to support students attending Fairmont State University.
We extend our sincere gratitude to Mr. and Mrs. Woddell for their generous support
of Fairmont State University students. Their investment is a powerful affirmation
of the value of accessible education and the transformative impact it can have,” said Fairmont State University President Mike Davis. "Scholarships such as these are instrumental in improving student
retention and degree completion, helping to ensure that financial barriers do not
stand in the way of academic success. Fairmont State is a Great Place to Learn, and
it is through the commitment of donors like the Wooddells that we are able to uphold
that vision for more students. Their contribution will have a lasting influence on
the lives of those they support and on the future of our institution.”
Born and raised in West Virginia, Mr. Wooddell attended Upshur County schools before earning a business degree from Fairmont State in 1971. Though he and Teresa now live in Florida, West Virginia is still home in spirit.
“Teresa and I both grew up in families that didn’t have a lot,” Mr. Wooddell said.
“One morning I woke up and thought if we can help somebody from a background like
ours finish college, this is what we want to do.”
Mr. Wooddell says he never made “big money,” but he lived responsibly and invested
wisely. His financial success came from discipline and a lesson he never forgot. “A
good friend once told me, if you make $25,000 and save $5,000, you’ll have something
someday. But if you make $250,000 and spend
$275,000, you’ll be broke. That stuck with me.”
After serving in the Army during the Vietnam era, Mr.Wooddell returned home and eventually
landed a job at a coal mine. When the mine closed, he leaned on his work ethic to
start a lawn care business. That small operation turned into a 26-year career.
“My business degree helped me figure out how to run the business side of things –
taxes, expenses, and planning. I didn’t need a degree to cut grass, but it helped
me grow something stable.”
Mr. Wooddell eventually sold the business to his nephew and made good on a childhood
dream: to live in Florida for the winters like the retirees he remembered admiring as
a boy. By 2013, the Wooddells became full-time Florida residents. Still, the impact
of their West Virginia upbringing remains central to their values.
The couple has also established a planned gift, which they hope will last for generations.
Mr. Wooddell made it clear that he didn’t give to see his name in lights. He simply
wants to help others finish what they start. “When I started college, they told us
only one in four of us would finish. I don’t know if that’s still the case, but I
hope this helps somebody stay the course and complete a degree. That’s what I care
about.”
Fairmont State Foundation Director of Development Marissa Mauro expressed deep appreciation
for the Wooddells’ generosity. “Mr. and Mrs. Wooddells’ gift reflects a profound commitment
to education and community. Their story shows that anyone with a vision, regardless
of how they started, can leave a lasting impact. Their legacy will support Fairmont
State students for decades to come, and we are honored to help fulfill their vision.”
Mr. Wooddell also hopes that sharing their story might encourage others to give. “If
this inspires another couple to do something similar, it would all be worth it.”
The couple has been together for more than 40 years. As Mr. Wooddell sees it, this
scholarship is the legacy they leave behind. “For some people, their kids are their legacy.
This scholarship is ours.”
For more information about establishing a scholarship or planned gift at Fairmont
State University,
visit www.fsufoundation.org/create-scholarship or contact our office at 304-534-8786.
