Contact: Sammy McDavid
STARKVILLE, Miss.--A recent financial bequest from a Tupelo resident and Mississippi State alumnus will assist the university in enhancing the education of blind children.
Proceeds from the David O. Puckett III Fund for Excellence in the Rehabilitation Research and Training Center on Blindness and Low Vision and David O. Puckett III Memorial Scholarship equally will support two funds in MSU's College of Education.
The gift is part of a revocable trust recently established by Puckett, head of outbound sales and service at the Renasant Bank in Tupelo.
A unit of the college, the RRTC works to enhance employment and independent living for individuals who are blind or visually impaired through research, training, education, and dissemination.
"The RRTC provides an outstanding service to the state, region and nation in the areas of low vision and blindness," said Dean Richard Blackbourn. "The College of Education takes great pride in its work, as we also take great pride in this generous gift provided by David Puckett."
In 1980, Puckett was diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa and was completely blind within two years. His quest for rehabilitation led to the Addie McBryde Center for the Blind in Jackson. There, he learned to perform household tasks, walk with a mobility device and use Braille and computer equipment to communicate.
"Individuals with disabilities can do anything they want, given the proper opportunity, training and equipment," he said.
Puckett received a master's degree in rehabilitation counseling from Mississippi State in 1989. Earlier, he completed a bachelor's degree at Mississippi College.
"My time at MSU made all the difference in my life," Puckett said. "The teachers were very accepting and very willing to work with my disability. It was a hard road, but we made it through."
While planning his estate, Puckett said he decided to establish a revocable trust at his alma mater.
"Blind and visually impaired children are being left behind every day," Puckett observed, in explaining his decision. "They are suffering educationally because of their disadvantages and not having the proper equipment and training available.
"I hope the RRTC will be able, with my gift, as well as those of others, to help blind and visually impaired children in the state get the education they need to further their hopes and dreams," he added.
Funds from the Puckett trust will assist Mississippi families choosing to maintain the education of family members in local school districts. Among other areas, support will be provided for expanded teacher education, textbook procurement and Braille equipment procurement.
Puckett Scholars must be pursuing a master's degree in counselor education, among other criteria.
For more information on the Puckett Endowment, contact Rob Jenkins, director of development for the college, at 662-325-6762 or rjenkins@foundation.msstate.edu.
For more information about Mississippi State University, see http://www.msstate.edu/.