Richard H. and Ava Poe Neff
Dr. Richard Neff graduated from Shippensburg State College, now Shippensburg University, in 1964 where he earned his bachelor’s degree in mathematics. A local “poor boy from town” who began his studies in 1960, Dr. Neff credits the university for providing the foundation for his successful career in education. He went on to earn graduate degrees from Bowling Green State University and Temple University and served as a professor of mathematics at Shippensburg University and Messiah College for a total of 30 years before retiring in 1998. He was also a copyist at the National Gallery of Art in D.C. for 10 years and now displays his work locally.
Ava Poe Neff earned her bachelor’s degree in education from Shippensburg State College in 1965. Mrs. Neff worked as an elementary teacher in the Cumberland Valley School District for over 20 years and as an elementary librarian in several other school districts. She holds a deep appreciation for the university’s lasting impact on her family, noting that multiple generations, including her grandfather, mother, aunt, and sister, benefited from the education and opportunities they received.
Dr. and Mrs. Neff established the Dr. Richard H. and Ava Poe Neff Scholarship to provide the same opportunities for current and future generations of Shippensburg University students.
Scholarships associated with Richard H. and Ava Poe Neff