UVa-Wise honors Benefactors, Volunteer of the Year

Former Wise residents Martha and James Holyfield were named Benefactors of the Year and James M. Gott of Kingsport , Tenn., was named Volunteer of the Year during The University of Virginia’s College at Wise annual benefactors celebration.

Mrs. Martha Holyfield, seated and Mr. James Holyfield, standing far right are joined by Chancellor Ernest Ern, left, and UVa-Wise Foundation President Don Green.

Martha and James Holyfield were high schoolsweethearts who moved from the area in 1947 after graduating from Wise High School. Residents of Denver for the last 50 years, Mrs. Holyfield retired in 1990 as vice president and comptroller of Chase Manhattan’s western district. Mr. Holyfield retired from the state of Colorado’s human resources department where he worked as a health programs administrator.

In 2003, the Holyfields made a gift of $520,000 to the College for the creation of the Martha Ann Roberts Holyfield Endowed Scholarship. The scholarship benefits local students based on merit and financial need with

preference given to graduates of J. J. Kelly High School in Wise. The Holyfields have also included UVa-Wise in their estate plans.

James M. Gott, a 1972 graduate of UVa-Wise, was honored as Volunteer of the Year for his tireless service to the College.

Mr. Jim Gott, center, is flanked by UVa-Wise Foundation President Don Green and Chancellor Ernest Ern.

During his college days, Gott was a standout basketball player and student leader. He served two terms as president of the Student Government Association. After graduation, Gott worked in the Admissions Office and then served as housing director.

The chair of the UVa-Wise Board, Gott is a former member of the UVa-Wise Foundation Board. He served as tri-chair of the College’s highly successful first campaign, which raised $21 million. In 1998, Gott was inducted into the UVa-Wise Athletic Hall of Fame for his Outstanding Service and Support.

The president of Coal Energy Resources, Inc. in Weber City, Gott lives in Kingsport with his wife, Eva.

For more information, contact the Office of College Relations at 276-328-0130.