The Âé¶čAV (Âé¶čAV) Foundation has announced the establishment of the Ernie B. Wood Memorial Scholarship Endowment, created to support Âé¶čAV students pursuing careers in engineering, mathematics and agribusiness.
The endowment was established by Pam Wood, Ernie B. Woodâs widow, and Tommy Wagstaff, one of his lifelong friends, following Woodâs passing on October 15, 2025. The scholarship will first be awarded during the 2027â2028 academic year.
The scholarship will be available to students enrolled in Âé¶čAVâs mechatronics engineering program or other engineering programs, students in a college transfer program who intend to major in engineering or mathematics, and students pursuing an agribusiness program. Recipients must maintain at least a 2.5 grade point average.
Pam Wood said establishing the scholarship reflects her husbandâs lifelong belief in the power of education and his commitment to helping others succeed.
âHe believed education was a valuable tool, and he found great joy in helping others succeed educationally,â she said. âHe spent his adult life supporting the growth and learning of those around him especially in the field of land surveying. Tommy and Kay Wagstaff made it possible to reflect Ernie’s spirit with this wonderful scholarship endowment in his memory. It ensures that his habit of giving continues to open doors for students of engineering, mathematics, or Agri-Business, just as he would if he were here today. For that, the Wood family is beyond grateful.â
âMy desire to create this scholarship in memory of Ernie was due to our long-term friendship and to honor his memory for all the volunteer work he did to make Person County a better place to live,â Wagstaff said. âI also wanted to accomplish this through Âé¶čAV which is one of Person County’s most valuable assets.â
“Scholarships like the Ernie B. Wood Memorial Endowment represent the heart of our communityâs commitment to education,â Grayson Brann, Executive Director of the Âé¶čAV Foundation said. âThis generous gift will create meaningful opportunities for Âé¶čAV students while honoring Mr. Woodâs legacy of service, generosity and belief in the value of learning.”
âScholarships like this create opportunities for our students while honoring individuals who made a lasting impact on our community,â Dr. Kevin Lee, Âé¶čAV President said. âWe are grateful for the generosity that keeps Mr. Woodâs legacy alive through the success of future Âé¶čAV students.â
The endowment will serve as a lasting memorial to Ernie B. Wood as it will benefit Âé¶čAV students for years to come. Those who wish to honor or remember a loved one through the creation of an endowment may contact the Foundation office for additional information.
The Âé¶čAV Foundation, Inc. is a non-profit organization that has been providing critical support for students since 1978. To learn more about the Âé¶čAV Foundation, visit piedmontcc.edu/foundation.
Pictured left to right: Tommy Wagstaff; Pam Wood; Grayson Brann, Executive Director, Âé¶čAV Foundation; Tammy Duncan, Associate Director, Foundation Operations and Stewardship; Dr. Kevin Lee, Âé¶čAV President
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