The Charles A. Townsend Scholarship Fund is an endowed scholarship established in 1998 by the family and friends of Charles A. Townsend to honor his lifelong commitment to education and the betterment of society. Mr. Townsend, born on October 1, 1925, in Parkersburg, West Virginia, dedicated his life to learning, service, and community leadership.  A proud U.S. Marine Corps veteran of World War II, he participated in major Pacific campaigns, including the Marshall Islands, Saipan, Tinian, and Iwo Jima, where he sustained multiple gunshot wounds. Following his military service, he earned his bachelor’s degree from Shepherd College and his master’s degree in history and government from George Peabody College in Nashville, Tennessee.

Mr. Townsend became a respected social studies teacher at Parkersburg High School, shaping countless young minds with his passion for learning and civic responsibility. In addition to his teaching career, he was a part-time dairy farmer and an active community leader.  He served as past president of the Wood County Farm Bureau and as president of the Claywood Park Water Association. He was a member of Cedar Grove United Methodist Church and attended Broadway Baptist Church. Throughout his life, he remained devoted to the values of education, opportunity, and community service.

His commitment to educational advancement extended beyond the classroom through his founding of the Paideia Educational Foundation, Inc., an organization rooted in student-centered learning and democratic school culture.  The mission of the foundation was to “promote and build a superior educational and workforce skills system for all members of our society,” reflecting Mr. Townsend’s belief in equitable access to high-quality education.

In keeping with his values, the Charles A. Townsend Scholarship Fund was created to support students who demonstrate financial need and aspire to careers in teaching. The fund ensures that future educators receive the assistance they need to pursue their professional calling.  Scholarship awards may be used for tuition, fees, books, and other education-related expenses associated with teacher preparation.

Today, the Charles A. Townsend Scholarship Fund stands as a lasting tribute to a man whose life embodied dedication, courage, and a deep belief in the transformative power of education. Through this endowment, Mr. Townsend’s legacy continues to inspire and uplift future generations.