The Honors College is fortunate to have donors who have given gifts to current honors students taking part in this rich academic experience.
These students can do more, discover more, and uncover more with these scholarships. They will graduate with less student debt, which eases their financial responsibilities as they grow in their early careers.
The scholarship recipients pay it forward through their achievements, academic excellence across disciplines and involvement in the community and university.
Honors students are engaged, active and responsive. We are grateful to our donors for providing opportunities for our honors students to soar.
Dr. J. Richard Corbett founded the Emmett & Gladys Corbett Merit Scholarship in honor of his parents in 1995. His parents believed: "You don't pay it back. You pay it forward." Dr. Corbett lived by this in his own life.
Dr. Corbett practiced medicine for more than 50 years, or as he joked, "I'm not practicing anymore. I'm pretty good at it now."
He completed his undergraduate degree at Wake Forest College, then received his M.D. from the university's new location in Winston-Salem. Dr. Corbett specialized in radiology and spent many years working with medical students at New Hanover Medical Group, teaching them how to read X-rays.
Dr. Corbett retired in June of 1990 but was back to work by September of that same year. His dedication to society illustrates his overall character.
Dr. Corbett was active with the Boys and Girls Home and the Burlington Boys Choir. He spent time on the UNCW Nurse Advocate Board and established a grant for faculty within the School of Nursing. He also published several historical articles.
Dr. Corbett believed that honors students are great leaders. He appreciated collaboration, And Dr. Corbett felt sharing your talents and abilities with others was how you elevate yourself.
He spent many years meeting the recipients of his Honors College scholarships at Donor Appreciation Dinners and other UNCW events before passing away in 2019.
His legacy continues today in the form of many students who receive Corbett Scholarships.