The Viki West Freeman ’74 Endowed Professorship in Education will provide funding to distinguished faculty who demonstrate both academic and pedagogical excellence. The $250,000 gift from Freeman will generate $10,000 in annual support for the prestigious position.
“Endowing professorships in education is essential because great teaching starts with exceptional faculty,” Freeman said. “By investing in this professorship, I hope to empower students to learn from leading educators who advance the field, inspire innovation in teaching and learning, and prepare the next generation to lead with insight and purpose.”
Professorships are awarded to exceptional faculty whose work has made significant contributions to scholarship. They are essential to recruiting and retaining gifted instructors, enriching Flagler’s academic pedigree, and attracting high-merit students to campus who are interested in learning from subject-matter experts.
“We’re deeply grateful for this generous gift, which strengthens our ability to attract and retain outstanding faculty who inspire and challenge our students every day,” Education Department Chair Edwidge Bryant said. “Endowed professorships like this one are vital to our continued growth, and we hope it inspires others to invest in the transformative power of a Flagler education.”
Freeman graduated from Flagler College in 1974 with a degree in Education. She has served on the Flagler College Alumni Board of Directors, the Board of Trustees from 2011 to 2019, and the Flagler Forward Campaign Steering Committee. Her philanthropic involvement with the College has helped fund capital projects like the Student Center, Solarium, and Pollard Hall.
"Flagler has a unique way of shaping not just strong minds, but strong values,” Freeman said. “By funding this professorship, I hope to help amplify that impact, ensuring that future educational leaders leave here not only prepared to succeed, but inspired to lead with purpose."
For more information about how you can support Flagler faculty through endowed professorships, please visit https://www.flagler.edu/flagler-forward.
