Oswald Scholars Program

Charles W. Oswald, KU Economics, '51, made a series of very generous gifts to the Department of Economics. Mr. Oswald's first gift of $1 million established the Oswald Faculty Scholars Program, with the intent to increase the Department's ability to secure and support top-level faculty members.

Eight assistant professors have been hired and supported as Oswald Scholars under this successful program.



In 2001, Mr. Oswald contributed $10 million to KU, of which $6 million came to the Department of Economics. In 2005, he pledged an additional $10 million.

These gifts have provided three Distinguished Professor positions and an Oswald Undergraduate Scholars Program.

In addition, the gifts have provided seminars and conferences which have brought several hundred economists to KU, a new graduate funding, enhanced teaching and research support for faculty members and graduate students and enhanced administrative support.

In recognition of these gifts the undergraduate economics program at KU has been named the Charles W. Oswald Program in Economics.

"Few alumni of the University of Kansas have the capacity and the generosity to transform an entire department through their support, but Charley Oswald is one of them. His belief in the value of his KU education and his vision for future KU economics students have made KU a recognized leader in economics education. " 

Charley earned a master's degree in business administration in 1953 from Harvard University. A native of rural Hutchinson he graduated from Hutchinson High School in 1946 as valedictorian of his class and a star on the 1945 undefeated football team. He was chairman and CEO of National Computer Systems (now NCS Pearson) from 1970 until 1994. Charley was a champion of education and leadership, generously supporting individuals and start-up companies with impactful visions.