April 6, 2023

A newly endowed scholarship at Columbus State University recognizes a full-time student who exhibits the potential of becoming a strong leader in the community and is awarded by the university’s William B. Turner Center for Servant Leadership. The inaugural recipient of the scholarship is graduating Columbus High School senior Gavin Outlaw, who will begin his studies in computer science and cybersecurity this fall. 

Named for Dr. Lon D. Marlowe III and funded by Marlowe’s family and friends, currently the endowed scholarship provides $3,000 a year in academic support for four years. Recipients must be incoming first-year undergraduate students with solid academic backgrounds. Applicants for the scholarship are required to submit an essay on their leadership experience and why they consider it important for leaders to serve others, along with three letters of recommendation.

A member of CHS’ National Junior Honor Society and the International Thespian Society, Outlaw—who has held part-time jobs throughout high school—also is an entrepreneur and founder of a small business called The Lifters. His business grew out of helping a former coworker’s family needed to move their belongings to a new home, and now includes other handyman and odd jobs like gutter cleaning.

Being his own boss and managing others has given Outlaw the opportunity to focus his interests on serving others as he works to hone his business acumen and leadership skills.

“As a leader, taking the lead in any situation is sometimes challenging,” the Marlowe Scholar has concluded. “Ultimately being a leader is an excellent characteristic to have. It helps in many parts of my life. I am thankful for the experience from the Lifters because it led to the foundation of being a leader. With this foundation, I know I can use it to be a better leader today and in the future.”

While he sees his leadership development as a work in progress, Columbus High School teachers like Amanda Hefner acknowledge that Outlaw is already an example for his peers.

“Mr. Outlaw is a warm, engaging individual who teaches others by example, is inclusive, and consistently exhibits curiosity and motivation to learn,” she wrote in a letter of recommendation based on her experience with him in the classroom and through his role as a theatre program technician. “[H]is selflessness to serve for the betterment of the school, and his willingness to bestow his knowledge and experiences on future generations, are qualities exemplified in great leaders.” 

With high school graduation just a couple of months away, Outlaw (pictured) has his sights set on his upcoming studies at Columbus State.

“Columbus State has a variety of great programs and its location is very convenient and easy to access,” he said. “I have always enjoyed all things technological, from sound design to coding. After learning about CSU’s cybersecurity program, I did some research and fell in love with the care and intensity that it offered.”

Outlaw hopes to take his cybersecurity education into the military setting by working for a private contractor.

“Having this degree will make my transition from college into that career field much smoother,” he predicted, “and hopefully will allow me to progress up the ranks at a quicker pace.”

About Dr. Marlowe

Marlowe served as executive director of the Columbus State University Foundation and CSU Foundation Properties before his retirement from CSU. A retired U.S. Navy captain and Vietnam veteran, he earned a doctorate in history from the University of Georgia following his military service. He was a longtime deacon and member of Union Baptist Church in West Point, Georgia, where he resided with his wife, Lynda, and was active with his local chamber of commerce and the Rotary Club. He passed away in October 2014. 

Scholarships at Columbus State

Each year, more than 1,200 undergraduate and graduate students benefit from university scholarships totaling more than $3 million. Typical scholarship awards range in value from $100 to $5,000 in academic year support and include both merit- and need-based opportunities. For more information about CSU scholarships, visit columbusstate.edu/scholarships.

Most CSU scholarships are made possible by generous donors who understand the value these awards represent in making college affordable and equipping students to achieve their goals. To explore establishing a scholarship at Columbus State, contact its Office of University Advancement.

Media contact:
Michael Tullier, APR, Executive Director of Strategic Communication + Marketing, 706.507.8729, mtullier@columbusstate.edu