Tim and Sharon Taylor

Changing Lives: Tim and Sharon Taylor provided a gift for startup research that will help the College of Engineering’s chemical engineering department recruit world-renowned faculty.

K-State connection: Tim Taylor is a 1975 chemical engineering graduate.

Why they gave: “The department needs to have the right equipment available to recruit high-quality faculty members,” Tim said. “They need the proper resources so teachers can do their jobs. Without good teachers, you can’t inspire and attract good students. It all goes hand in hand. We felt fortunate that we were in a position to help.”

The power of matching: The Taylors’ cumulative lifetime gifts for the chemical engineering research fund, Taylor Family Scholarship and other funds have been supplemented with matching gifts from Chevron Phillips.

Impact: Krista Walton, who completed her postdoctoral work at Northwestern University, Chicago, was named the new Tim and Sharon Taylor Assistant Professor of Chemical Engineering for the 2006–2007 academic year. Dr. Walton had opportunities to join outstanding nationally recognized departments elsewhere, but the Taylors’ gift was a factor in her decision to come to K-State.

What people are saying: “Tim and Sharon have really recognized the importance of contributing to faculty,” said Mary Rezac, head of the chemical engineering department. “We’ve had wonderful success because of their gift. It has allowed us to be competitive at a national level in our recruiting efforts.”