Dr. Frank Einhellig and his wife, Trude, have spent their careers as professional educators. The importance of an excellent education for all individuals is something they both know by heart. “A scholarship is often a key element in helping a student achieve their educational goals. We felt we had reached a time in life when we could and should be making this scholarship investment for future students,” says Dr. Frank Einhellig. And that is exactly what he and Trude have done by establishing the Einhellig Family Scholarship at Missouri State University.
Dr. Einhellig is currently the Associate Provost for Research and Graduate Studies, and the Dean of the Graduate College. Dr. Einhellig explains, “Not only has Missouri State been the location and environment where I have spent a great deal of time each day for more than 18 years, but in many ways it qualifies as an extension of ‘home.’ I have had the joys of seeing students learn and mature, helping the University establish its graduate and research programs, and cultivating friendships that are treasured.”
The Einhellig Family Scholarship will benefit a graduate student pursuing a Master of Science degree in Plant Science at Missouri State. “We chose plant science for two reasons. First, I have found it very rewarding to have taught and conducted research in aspects of plant science for more than 40 years. Second, understandings in plant biology are the very core of dealing with some of the major problems on the horizon for all humanity. Whether it is in the pursuit of an adequate food and water supply, or utilization of plants as sources of natural products for medicine, our country needs plant scientists,” explains Dr. Einhellig about the decision to benefit students majoring in Plant Science.
As an integral part of the Missouri State University community Dr. Einhellig knows the challenges students pursuing high education face—“At this time in history, private support is a necessity for keeping the doors open to qualified students. Certainly, a University has no meaning and does not exist without students. Several times in my own history, I was blessed with scholarship support that meant the difference in my continued education. My wife and I are convinced that some students will not be able to achieve an education without financial help, and, although it is simplistic to say, we wanted to do what we could.”
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