Robinette Family Establishes Scholarship to Assist Future Teachers

Scholarship Honors Lois McKay Smith's Passion for Education 

Oct. 26, 2017 – Richmond Community College held a special ceremony on Tuesday to unveil the largest annual scholarship ever bestowed on the College.

Claudia and Kenneth Robinette established the Lois McKay Smith Memorial Scholarship for Future Teachers in the amount of $10,000, which will fund five $2,000 scholarships. Beginning Fall Semester 2018, the scholarship will be awarded each year to five students who are enrolled in a program that leads to completion of a four-year degree and certification as a teacher.

The Robinettes established the scholarship in memory of Claudia's mother, who was an instructor at RichmondCC from 1978 until she retired in 1991. The Robinettes said they hope this scholarship will help others achieve their goal of becoming a teacher.

“Because of the generous nature of the Robinettes and their leadership, they’re setting the stage and making it possible for our students and generations of students to come to fulfill their lifelong dream of being in the classroom and helping guide and lead our children,” said Dr. Dale McInnis, president of RichmondCC.

McInnis applauded the Richmond Senior High School teacher cadets who attended the ceremony and whose futures would be directly affected by this scholarship announcement.

“This scholarship is also intended for folks who are changing careers, just like Mrs. Smith did,” McInnis said.

Smith initially enrolled at Flora McDonald College but took time off to get married and raise a family. Years later she enrolled at the University of North Carolina-Pembroke, commuting daily until she completed her education. She earned a bachelor’s degree in social studies.

Claudia said her mother had a real passion for learning and education, both for herself and more importantly for others.

“Kenneth and I are very pleased and proud to be a part of this way to honor my mother,” Claudia said. “My mother loved working here at RCC for all those years. She loved her interaction with her students and teaching, and we thought what better way to honor her life and her legacy but to offer scholarships to people who want to continue their education and become teachers. We are so excited about launching this scholarship and to see how it evolves.”

Claudia said she hoped the scholarship would help bolster the UNCP-Elementary Education transfer pathway that RichmondCC and UNCP recently established. Students who want to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education can complete their first two years at RichmondCC and transfer to UNCP. Students will take UNCP classes online and through distance education learning options on RichmondCC’s main campus to earn their K-6 teaching degree without having to leave their hometown.

In his opening remarks, McInnis acknowledged the many folks from UNCP’s School of Education who were present for the scholarship announcement.

“This collaborative effort between RichmondCC and UNCP opens more doors for more people to pursue the careers they want,” McInnis said.

The scholarship is also available to RichmondCC students who transfer to other four-year colleges or universities to earn a teaching degree.

“I challenge you all in this room to remember this moment and the generosity of the Robinettes and their thoughtfulness for future generations and think of how we can work together to make our county a stronger place both through education and cooperation,” McInnis said.