UE Announces $2 Million Planned Gift That Will Fund New Endowed Chair in Chemistry
Evansville, Ind. (02/25/2026) — Leaving a powerful legacy of excellence and opportunity at the University of Evansville (UE), Evansville native Barbara J. Kolb Price has documented a $2 million bequest intention to establish an endowed faculty chair in the University's Robert and Judy Decker Wargel Department of Chemistry.
Funded through a planned estate gift, the $2 million endowment will support the retention of distinguished faculty, encourage innovation in the classroom, and elevate student success and achievement within the department. The endowment will provide sustained support for faculty-led student research initiatives in chemistry, innovative curricular experiences, and the enhancement of laboratory instrumentation and resources. This gift helps honor UE's commitment to scientific inquiry and student success by connecting chemistry to real-world challenges in health, industry and the environment.
Price graduated from Mater Dei High School and then Evansville College (UE) in 1966 with a Bachelor of Science in Education. Guided by a strong foundation in Evansville, she then earned a Master of Arts in Chemistry Education from the University of Chicago and a Master of Science in Management from Purdue University.
Price enjoyed a distinguished professional career at Phillips Petroleum Company, where she served as Vice President of Health, Environment, and Safety. In that role, she provided national leadership on complex scientific, environmental, and regulatory issues, serving on industry committees and task forces with the American Petroleum Institute, the Natural Gas Supply Association, and the Environmental Protection Agency, and remaining active in professional engineering organizations.
Her decades of service to the University of Evansville include serving on the Board of Trustees since 1995 and being recognized with both the UE Medal of Honor and the Alumni Association's Edie Bates Volunteer Service Award.
Price's gift reflects a deep belief in the power of higher education to transform lives and strengthen communities, and her loyalty and commitment to Evansville and to her beloved alma mater. Her legacy will continue to shape the University of Evansville and the discipline of chemistry, empowering students with the courage and drive to change lives and change the world.
"Barbara Price's extraordinary generosity has had a meaningful impact on the department's faculty and students for many years. This incredible legacy gift and her friendship is a powerful expression of her belief in what we do in the Department of Chemistry and how we do it. We are deeply thankful for her enduring commitment to the success of our faculty and to the student experience." shared Dr. Kristy Miller, Associate Provost for Student Success and Academic Excellence & Professor and Chair, Robert and Judy Decker Wargel Department of Chemistry.
UE President Christopher M. Pietruszkiewicz emphasized the significance of the gift to the University's mission and momentum. "Barbara Price embodies what it means to lead with courage and purpose," he said. "Her remarkable investment positions our Chemistry program to shape discovery, innovation, and student success well into the future by learning from outstanding faculty who are pushing the boundaries of discovery while mentoring students as they prepare for scientific careers, research, and leadership."
From an advancement and alumni perspective, the endowed chair represents legacy, loyalty, and commitment to educational excellence. This gift is a powerful testament to what philanthropic partnership can do at the University of Evansville. Abigail Werling M'09, Vice President for University Advancement, said "Barbara Price's generosity is a beautiful reflection of the spirit of service that has defined her life and her passion for teaching and learning," said Werling. "We cannot thank Barbara enough for her vision and for her choice to lead and give so selflessly."
The University of Evansville is a private, comprehensive university with a solid foundation in the arts and sciences and professional schools in business, engineering, education, and health sciences. Established in 1854, UE is recognized across the globe for its rich tradition of innovative, academic excellence and dynamic campus community of #Changemakers.
Home of the Purple Aces, UE is located in the southwestern region of Indiana and offers over 75 majors, 17 Division I sports, and a unique study abroad experience at Harlaxton, the University's very own Victorian manor located in the countryside of England. For more information, please visit evansville.edu.
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