Fran and David Taylor Nontraditional Student Scholarship

Mr. Taylor was a quiet, gentle person with a remarkably strong will. He was born in Wishaw, Scotland and graduated from Concord College in Athens, West Virginia in 1937 where he later served on the Board of Directors for the Concord College Foundation.

In 1981, after thirty-nine years and a long and distinguished career, he retired as Vice-President from Celanese Corporation. There he began as a lab analyst and became president of two different divisions of Celanese: Celanese Plastics Division and Celanese Fibers Division which included Fiber Industry.

Mr. Taylor was active in the Charlotte Chamber of Commerce in the 1960’s, serving as president in 1978. He served as Director of the University Research Park in Charlotte from its first year and was president and chairman of the Park from 1977 to 1986. David Taylor Drive in the Park was named in his honor for his many years of service. He served as Chairman of the Foundation of the University of North Carolina at Charlotte and remained on the board until his death. He was named Man of the Year by the Charlotte News in 1982 and received a Distinguished Service Award in 1988 by the Foundation of the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. Being an avid golfer, he was a member of Carmel Country Club and the Royal and Ancient Golf Club in St. Andrews, Scotland. Mr. Taylor passed on June 27, 2007.

Mrs. Frances (Fran) B. Taylor was poised and a soft-spoken lady who was very supportive of her husband and his career. Early in her young adult life she was a secretary. She married David and enjoyed rearing their children. Fran and David were married for 66 years. Their family includes a son, David G. Taylor and a daughter, Cynthia T. Brock. They have two grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Mrs. Taylor passed on June 13, 2011.

They were both members of Trinity Presbyterian Church in Charlotte, NC where David served as a ruling elder. Both Fran and David lived lives of service and commitment to improve the lives of many others.

To make a gift to the Fran and David Taylor Nontraditional Student Scholarship, please visit the OASES Make a Gift web page.

The Fran and David Taylor Nontraditional Student Scholarship was established by the Taylors in 1990 to support the achievements of non-traditional students in their educational careers.