A renowned neurosurgeon is establishing a $100,000 scholarship for the Campbell University medical school fund in memory of a "beloved" chemistry professor.

The Edna Queener Proffit Endowed Medical School Scholarship honors Proffit's legacy and supports graduate students pursuing students enrolled in the Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine program at Campbell.

Dr. John M. Tew Jr. is establishing the scholarship toward ensuring future generations have the opportunity to follow in his footsteps in the medical field, the scholarship agreement says.

In a career spanning some 45 years, Tew, a distinguished alumni at Campbell, served as professor and chairman of the Department of Neurosurgery at the University of Cincinnati and co-founded the University of Cincinnati Neuroscience Institute.

Now serving as professor and chairman of the Department of Neurosurgery at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center, Tew is co-director of the Skull Base Team for University Hospital and is chief of neurosurgery at University Hospital and Children's Hospital Medical Center, says a profile on the website of the College of Neurological Surgeons .

Tew is internationally recognized for his contributions to cerebrovascular disease, brain tumors and trigeminal neuralgia; his dedication to integrative medicine and community outreach continues to inspire many in the medical field, the site says.

Dr. David Tolentino, interim med school dean, says the Campbell community is "deeply moved by Dr. John Tew's generosity and his heartfelt tribute to Professor Edna Proffit."

"This gift reflects the very soul of Campbell's mission - to open doors for students from rural communities and prepare them for a life of meaningful service. Dr. Tew's journey from Linden, North Carolina, to international acclaim reminds us that great things begin here.

"This scholarship serves as both a beautiful tribute to a beloved educator and a powerful investment in future osteopathic physicians who will carry forward Campbell's spirit of service and excellence."

Tew attended what was then Campbell Junior College before transferring to the Wake Forest University School of Medicine, where, as a freshman, he was named "best anatomist."

Tew led the development of the University of Cincinnati Department of Neurosurgery and was the first Frank H. Mayfield Chair for Neurological Surgery, according to his profile on the website for Mayfield Brain and Spine. Tew served as professor and chairman of the department for 20 years before co-founding and taking the helm of the UC Neuroscience Institute in 1998. He also served as medical director of the Mayfield Chiari Center and is a retired colonel in the U.S. Army Reserve, the website says.

The "profound impact of Professor Proffit's mentorship on Dr. Tew's career underscores the importance of dedicated educators in shaping the future of medicine," the scholarship agreement says.

Proffit was a professor of Chemistry at Campbell University from 1944-47 and 1951-69.

"During Dr. Tew's time at Campbell in 1954 and 1955, it was Professor Proffit who provided the necessary courses that enabled him to start a pre-med track, laying the foundation for his future career in neurosurgery. Without her guidance and support, Dr. Tew would not have been able to achieve the remarkable success he enjoys today," the scholarship agreement says.

An author, teacher, and frequent guest lecturer, Tew travels extensively, addressing surgical treatment of vascular tumors and arteriovenous malfunctions, laser technology, the neuroscience revolution, skull base surgery, trigeminal neuralgia and cranial nerve tumors, the CNS site says.

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