Dr. Robert W. and Mrs. Nancy S. Meadows

The scholarship was established by Dr. Robert W. and Mrs. Nancy S. Meadows. Funds are given to graduate students pursuing degrees in Education at Saginaw Valley State University.

Nancy Meadows was an SVSU alumna who served in the College of Education as Placement Coordinator in Clinical Experiences. Mrs. Meadows passed away in November 2006 after a courageous battle with breast cancer. Mrs. Meadows is fondly remembered by her friends and colleagues for her dedication to SVSU and our students.

Robert (Bob) Meadows joined the SVSU faculty in 1973, as Professor of Educational Leadership and Services. Throughout his career and even after his retirement, he remained very committed to providing opportunities for students seeking graduate degrees at SVSU. Dr. Meadows received two of the University’s most prestigious faculty awards: The Landee Award for Teaching Excellence, and the House Award for Teacher Impact. Dr. Meadows passed away in December 2023. He went by “Bob,” and he wouldn’t even let his graduate students address him with the honorific. He taught and learned alongside countless principals and administrators. He helped write the College’s education program, having had experience in all levels of education. He’d been principal of the integrated Colonel White High School in Dayton, OH, where he instituted policies to counter racial tension after an inspiring walk he took with MLK. He’d also taught at Wright State University in Dayton, OH, and Ball State University in Muncie, IN, the latter being where he earned all degrees including his doctorate. The students at Ball State’s Burris Laboratory School were some of his first students and always held a special place in his heart.

Bob and his late wife, Nancy Meadows, lived together happily for 33 years until Nancy’s death in 2006. They were both teachers, and they’d run lesson plans by each other at the dinner table. They also gardened, made quilts together (Yes, Bob could sew!) and spent time with their children and grandkids from Bob’s first marriage. Bob also built beautiful decks, barns and furniture for their homes, and only managed to lose one thumb while doing so. A life-long athlete, Bob grew up in Crown Point, IN, and received a scholarship for football that fell through after a tackle sent his knee “flying across the field.” He joined the Army and taught swim lessons so he could afford his bachelor’s degree. He always loved school, and he eventually wrote a manuscript about all his favorite teachers.