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Thornton, Colonel Clark O. Ph.D. Endowed Scholarship

The Colonel Clark O. Thornton, Ph.D. Endowed Scholarship was established in August 2017 by his wife, Orlena “Klickie” Thornton, M.Ed.

Col. Clark O. Thornton was born in Stow, Ohio and raised in Akron, Ohio. He graduated from The University of Akron with a bachelor’s degree in education, and then spent more than 30 years in the U.S. Air Force. He also spent several years at M. O’Neil Co. employed as the Director of Veterans Affairs and Training. Once retired from the military, Col. Thornton went on to earn his Ph.D. from the University of Alabama.

Growing up during the Great Depression did not allow Col. Thornton much opportunity aside from learning and education. Eventually, both he and Klickie became high school educators. The role education had in their lives is the reason they consider it such a high priority to assist people in need with higher education opportunities.

This scholarship was established in Col. Thornton’s memory and honor, and will serve as a lasting tribute to his commitment to education within a local community.  It will assist young people from Ohio with financial need who are pursuing an education degree at The University of Akron.

Undergraduate, full-time students within The LeBron James Family Foundation College of Education at The University of Akron are eligible for this scholarship. Selection of deserving candidates will be based on need, as determined by the Office of Student Financial Aid, and with first preference given to Ohio students who have participated in non-athletic, extracurricular activities at school or within the local community.

Award recipients will be selected by the LeBron James Family Foundation College of Education Scholarship Committee in consultation with The University of Akron Office of Student Financial Aid.