Professor gives University of West Florida $1 million

The University of West Florida announced today a $1 million gift from Dr. Bob Kimball, UWF professor of marketing and economics, to create the Bill and Ellie Kimball Memorial Undergraduate Scholarship Award in memory of his parents.

“This is a very special gift because it comes from one of our own,” said UWF President Martha Saunders. “Bob Kimball has dedicated his career to students and their futures. He’s a legend around here.”

The gift will fund $2,000 scholarships for 40 UWF sophomores each year, beginning in 2017. The scholarships will be awarded to students based on merit.

“I’m pleased to be able to sponsor this scholarship in memory of my mom and dad, who taught me the values of integrity and hard work,” Kimball said. “With that in mind, this merit-based scholarship recognizes the best and brightest of our students.”

This marks Kimball’s third large gift to the institution, totaling $3 million. His first gifts went to establish and support a scholarship endowment fund for undergraduate students in the UWF College of Business.

“Dr. Kimball’s investment in UWF and the success of our students complements his incredible work in the classroom,” said Dr. Brendan Kelly, vice president for university advancement. “He has exemplified a deep level of commitment in providing the highest quality education possible, while ensuring our top students are rewarded for their hard work through much needed financial support. Dedicated faculty members like Bob Kimball have played an integral role in making UWF the incredible institution of higher education it is today, and they are helping lay the groundwork for even more success into the future.”

Kimball earned a bachelor’s degree from Ripon College, a Master of Business Administration from Georgia State University and a doctorate in marketing from the University of Georgia. He has 20 years of experience in the field of marketing and sales, having worked at the Coca-Cola Company as well as owning his own firm, The Kimball Organization, specializing in sales and management training. He joined the UWF Department of Marketing and Economics in 1987 and has authored four books, “The AMA Handbook for Successful Selling,” “Selling in the New World of Business,” “The Book on Management,” and “The Essence of Marketing.”

UWF is in the public phase of its 50th Anniversary Capital Campaign, with a fundraising goal of $50 million – the largest capital campaign in University history. To support the campaign, visit uwf.edu/give.