Friends of recently retired History Professor Ted DeLaney have established a scholarship endowment under his name to celebrate his retirement, according to University Advancement.

The Ted DeLaney ’85 Scholarship Endowment is intended for students interested in minoring in Africana Studies, Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies, and the Shepherd Program. It will provide awards based on financial need.

The scholarship was created to honor DeLaney’s commitment to Washington and Lee University, throughout his 56-year relationship with the school.

DeLaney’s career at the university has been documented over the years by the Ring-tum Phi, as well as national news sources like NPR.

DeLaney, a Lexington native, first came to the university as a 19-year-old employee in facilities and management. Over the course of two decades, he took advantage of a program to take a free class each term until he became a full-time student.

In 1985, he graduated cum laude with a degree in history. He went on to earn a Ph.D. in American history from the College of William & Mary in 1995 and returned to Washington and Lee as an assistant professor of history.

During his time in Lexington, he has co-founded the Africana Studies Program, introduced new classes on the histories of oppressed groups, and served as the history department head. He has also contributed much to bringing forward the institutional history of Washington and Lee.

History major Nolan Durfee, ’20, said the class he took with DeLaney was impactful for him.

“He is a great professor and a very nice person,” Durfee said. “It was always impactful to hear about him and his life in his courses.”

DeLaney plans to retire this year, but his impact on the campus and the lives of students will remain – both through his legacy and the new scholarship.