Drs. D.W. & Ben Howard Pre-Vet Endowment established at Austin Peay State University

Austin Peay State University has received a gift from Dr. Ernest and Joan De Wald to establish the Drs. D.W. & Ben Howard Pre-Vet Endowment in order to support students who are pursuing their pre-veterinary studies at the university. The De Walds have a long history of supporting the university, and this latest investment honors the careers of Drs. D.W. and Ben Howard, who provided veterinary care to the pets of the Clarksville community for decades.

According to an article on Austin Peay State University's website, Kris Phillips, who serves as the university’s vice president for Alumni, Engagement and Philanthropy, was quoted as saying of the endowment, "We are grateful to Dr. Ernest and Joan De Wald for this meaningful investment in our students. By honoring Drs. D.W. and Ben Howard—two veterinarians who dedicated their careers to animal care and community service—this endowment will provide lasting support to Govs preparing for veterinary school and meaningful careers. The De Walds continue to demonstrate their commitment to the Govs For Life Experience through their generous support of students and programs across campus."

The endowment is a permanently restricted fund that is managed by the Austin Peay State University Foundation. The nature of the endowment means that the scholarships awarded by the Drs. D.W. & Ben Howard Pre-Vet Endowment may vary in amount. In order to be eligible to receive the renewable scholarship, a student must be enrolled in a pre-veterinary program at the university and maintain a 3.0 grade point average.

Dr. Ernest De Wald said of his and his wife’s decision to create this endowment, “Our hope is to help dedicated students build the academic foundation they need to become compassionate, skilled veterinarians. Austin Peay has a strong tradition of preparing students for professional study, and we're pleased to support that path while honoring two veterinarians who exemplified excellence and service in their field."

Dr. D.W. Howard was a veterinarian in Clarksville for more than 40 years. His son, Dr. Ben Howard, has continued his legacy by providing compassionate care for animals.

The De Walds have been financial supporters of the university for various initiatives, including the De Wald-Volpe Nursing Simulation Laboratory in the Health Professions Building, the De Wald Livestock Pavilion at the Coleman Tractor APSU Farm Powered by Kubota, the Volpe/De Wald Agriculture Fund of Excellence, and a scholarship for nursing students in honor the legacy of Dr. De Wald's parents.

Dr. De Wald served in the U.S. Army Dental Corps for 22 years. He graduated from Georgetown University and designed and directed Fort Campbell's one-year general dentistry residency program, an effort which led to him being recognized with the Legion of Merit and the Order of Military Medical Merit from the Surgeon General. Additionally, he was inducted into the APSU Governors Military Hall of Fame in 2025.

Joan De Wald’s career spanned 13 years with the FBI and a stint in the White House Greetings Office as a mail analyst. She later worked as the practice administrator for Clarksville Dental Center, and was president of Action Enterprise.

For more information about Austin Peay State University, visit the school’s website.