January 15, 2004

New CSU Program Offers Scholarship and Stipend to Teach in Talbot County

By offering a generous scholarship and post-graduation employment stipend, a newly developed endowment is luring Columbus State University College of Education students to the Talbot County school system.

Provided by the estate of Richard M. Alsobrook in loving memory of his wife and veteran Talbot County educator, Ophelia Fleming Alsobrook, the endowment will provide tuition and books for eligible CSU students in the Teacher Education Program who are planning to teach in the Talbot County School System.

The Ophelia Fleming Alsobrook Scholars also will receive up to $2,000 stipend in each of the first two years after graduation while teaching or working in a Talbot County school.

The scholarship is a fitting tribute to Alsobrook who was a favorite among her students, despite her high expectations and insistence on discipline.

She had the ability to motivate while still kindling admiration and respect among her students, said Roy Goolsby, a former 8th grade student of Mrs. Alsobrook.

Goolsby continued to learn from his former educator after returning to Woodland Elementary School years later as a teacher and principal. Mrs. Alsobrook was employed at the time as curriculum director and he frequently sought her advice.

He believes a scholarship in Mrs. Alsobrook's name is 'a most fitting way to continue her dedication to the education of students and the development of teachers in Talbot County.'

'She was the kind of anchor that provided a place of rest -- a relaxed, sharing, caring atmosphere for all the kids that she never had of her own,' Goolsby said. 'We will never know just how many others she helped on this journey through life. But we know that she lived her life for others, not herself.'

During Mrs. Alsobrook's 41-year career in education, she taught French, biology and social studies at Woodland Elementary School and served many years as Talbot County curriculum supervisor. She attended the University of Georgia where she earned her undergraduate degree, her masters of education degree and an additional degree in supervision and curriculum development.

Scholarship eligibility requires students to maintain a GPA of 3.0 and full- time status of 12 hours, and priority will be given to those who are current or past residents of Talbot County. For more information, or to apply for the scholarship, contact the Columbus State University Office of Financial Aid at 706-568-2036.