Pfeiffer University is proud to announce the creation of the Dowd Foundation Endowed Scholarship, a $1 million fund established through the generosity of The Dowd Foundation. The scholarship will support students who are dependents of Charlotte Pipe and Foundry employees, as well as students who reside in Stanly and Union counties.

The Dowd Endowed Scholarship will provide annual awards ranging from $1,000 to $5,000, based on financial need. Eligible applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.0.

Applications must be submitted by December 1, and the first scholarship awards will be made for the Fall 2026 semester.

“This scholarship represents a powerful investment in the future of our region,” said Dr. Scott Bullard, President of Pfeiffer University. “We are deeply grateful to the Dowd Foundation for their generosity and vision. The Dowd Foundation Endowed Scholarship will open doors for talented students who might otherwise be unable to pursue a Pfeiffer education.”

The scholarship reflects Pfeiffer’s commitment to serving the local community and aligns with the university’s mission to prepare servant leaders through a strong educational foundation and real-world experiences. Pfeiffer University, affiliated with the United Methodist Church, offers more than 30 academic programs across its campuses in Misenheimer and Albemarle and online, and maintains a 12:1 student-to-faculty ratio. Nearly 95% of students receive financial aid, making Pfeiffer a top choice for affordability and access.

The Dowd Endowed Scholarship also celebrates the growing partnership between Pfeiffer University and Charlotte Pipe and Foundry, which recently completed construction of a $460 million facility in Oakboro, N.C. This state-of-the-art foundry, located on an 800-acre site in western Stanly County, employs over 550 associates, many of whom reside in Union and Stanly counties. The facility features cutting-edge environmental controls and electric melt technology, reducing carbon emissions by approximately 40,000 tons annually. The company also operates its largest plastic pipe and fittings plant in Monroe, N.C. Similarly, most of this workforce is from the counties for which scholarship monies are provided. Qualified applicants may submit an application at go.pfeiffer.edu/inquiryform where they will be directed to their Pfeiffer Admissions Portal, and can click the “Dowd Scholarship” tab. For more information or questions, please contact the Office of Admissions at Pfeiffer University by phone at 704-463-3060 or email at admissions@pfeiffer.edu.