Dr. Mary Alice Klein Scholarship Fund
This scholarship fund honors Dr. Mary Alice Klein, a dedicated educator and leader, by supporting students pursuing careers in education.
TYPE OF FUND: Scholarship
DATE ESTABLISHED: June 17, 2002
PURPOSE: To provide scholarships for students who plan to follow a career in education.
DISTRIBUTION: To be awarded to an education major pursuing a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree. Individuals may apply annually as financial need arises. Non-discriminatory distribution. Awarded upon the recommendation of the Scholarship Committee and the approval of the TCF Board of Directors.
VARIANCE POWER: If, in the judgment of the TCF Board of Directors, the restrictions and conditions of the fund become unnecessary, incapable of fulfillment or inconsistent with the charitable needs of the community, the TCF Board of Directors maintains the right to modify the terms of this fund. TCF has exclusive legal control over any contributed assets.
FUNDING: Initiated by Dr. Klein’s husband, Dr. Robert J. Klein, and their three children following her death on June 15, 2002.
BACKGROUND: Dr. Mary Alice Klein was born January 18, 1934, in Stringtown, Tucker County. A 1951 valedictorian of Thomas High School and 1955 graduate of Shepherd College, she went on to earn a master’s in educational administration and a doctorate from West Virginia University.
She began her career in Charles Town, WV, teaching in Maryland and Pennsylvania before returning to teach at St. George Academy in Tucker County. She served as principal at Hamrick Elementary starting in 1978 and as superintendent of Tucker County Schools from 1986 to 1999. She concluded her career as superintendent of Upshur County Schools, retiring in June 2001.
Dr. Klein was involved in numerous professional and civic organizations including the American Association of School Administrators, WV Association of School Administrators, Delta Kappa Gamma, Phi Delta Kappa, and the Tucker County Chamber of Commerce. She was a charter member of the Tucker Community Endowment Foundation and a recipient of the Tuckineer Award—the Chamber’s highest honor.
She believed in every individual’s potential and dedicated her life to building educational systems that empowered students to reach for excellence. Dr. Klein passed away from cancer on June 15, 2002, in Parsons, WV. She was married to Dr. Robert J. Klein and was the mother of Jennifer E. Klein, Robert Z. Klein, and Amanda Klein Snyder. She had four grandchildren: Samantha Fleming, Timmy Snyder, Kyle Fleming, and Zoe Snyder.
