Elbert A. Botts Estate donates $1.4 million to Troy University

3/28/2011 - By Zachary Farrington

TROY—The estate of Elbert A. Botts today presented a $1.4 million donation to Troy University which will support the School of Accountancy and geomatics program. Dr. Jack Hawkins, Jr., Chancellor, expressed appreciation for the gift and said it would help advance two of the University’s strongest academic programs. “The investment of this bequest reflects the value placed on this university by the Botts family and for that we are grateful,” Dr. Hawkins said.

A native of Pike County, Ala., Elbert Botts attended Troy University (then called Troy State Teachers College) in the 1940s. He went on to open a successful garden center in Augusta, Ga., The Green Thumb West, which he worked at until his death in 1995. He was known both as a civic leader and a statewide pioneer in the horticulture industry. Botts’ nephews, Richard and Nathan Botts (Director of Financial Institution Services at Saltmarsh), made the presentation to TROY officials during a luncheon ceremony at the University’s Foundation Office. “Uncle Elbert believed in education and felt that [his college education] allowed him to become as successful as he was,” Nathan Botts said. “He really thought a lot about the community that he grew up in and thought a lot about education,” Richard Botts said. “This gift is going to a great place and you will do great works with it.”

The donation will support scholarships for future geomatics students, said Dr. Steve Ramroop, director of the Surveying and Geomatics Program, and will allow the program to add new technology and faculty. “As director, I want to thank the Botts family for this generous gift,” Dr. Ramroop said. “It will support scholarships for students who are committed to success in the program.” The School of Accountancy will use the gift to fund a professorship in accounting, said program director Dr. Kaye Sheridan. “We can’t thank [the Botts family] enough for this timely gift,” Dr. Sheridan said. “To have a great program you need great faculty, and this gift will give us an advantage when it comes to attracting great faculty members.”