Chase McMichael, a senior from Oklahoma City, is the recipient of the first Dr. Donald G. Stafford Centennial Scholarship at East Central University.
The scholarship was established by Stafford’s sons – Dr. Michael Stafford, D.O; Robert Stafford; and Joel Stafford – in memory of their father, who passed away in 2012.
The scholarship is awarded annually to a student pursuing a degree in science or science education. The recipient exhibits the character of Donald Stafford, who taught at ECU from 1961 until his retirement in 1995.
During his tenure at ECU, Stafford focused his energies on the development of creative instructing methods of teaching science to elementary, secondary and college level students and educating teachers how better to teach science to elementary and secondary level students.
Stafford also worked to dispel the myth that science is inconsistent with the Christian faith. One of his most popular self-published books was a brief pamphlet entitled, Things I Know about God and Man. He distributed thousands of copies of this work to students, friends and colleagues over the years as copies turned up all over the world.
He published more than 20 books and 50 articles on techniques of science education and wrote poetry in his retirement. Stafford had two volumes of poetry printed and had recited his poetry to groups and churches around Oklahoma.
At the time of his death, he and his wife Jane had been married for 60 years and were active members of Ada First Baptist Church.
McMichael is a biology secondary education major at ECU and has been a member of the men’s cross country team. He is expected to graduate in December of 2013.