A generous $1 million gift from the estate of Carol Phipps Buchanan has created an endowed professorship in biology at The University of Virginia’s College at Wise.

The John C. Buchanan Professorship in Biology was established in honor of her late husband, a former state senator and Southwest Virginia physician. Sen. Buchanan, a distinguished alumnus of the University of Virginia, operated a general medical practice in Wise, Va. From 1971 until his death on April 15, 1991, Sen. Buchanan represented a large portion of Southwest Virginia in the Virginia General Assembly. Notably, he sponsored the first state statute that provided workers' compensation for black lung disease.

Carol Phipps Buchanan, wife of Sen. Buchanan, was a trustee of the Columbus Phipps Foundation, which has given generously to The University of Virginia's College at Wise. Mrs. Buchanan was known for her strong dedication to education. A community-minded yet private person, she wanted her estate to be used to promote education.

“We are deeply grateful to the estate of Carol Phipps Buchanan for the generous gift,” said Tami Ely, vice chancellor for development and college relations. “Endowed professorships allow us to attract and retain excellent faculty at UVa-Wise, which enhances the educational experience for our students.”

The only branch campus of the University of Virginia, UVa-Wise offers Virginia's only undergraduate degree in software engineering, among 29 other degrees and professional programs in the liberal arts tradition of Thomas Jefferson.