A transformational giver, Dr. Younts will be celebrated, remembered and his legacy of giving felt for many years to come.

When asked if he would ever consider bringing a football team to Anderson University, President Evans Whitaker’s answer was always the same.

“Yes—so long as someone is committed to raising the money to make it happen,” he would say.

That someone was Dr. Melvin Younts, a lifelong philanthropist and cherished friend of Anderson University. Dr. Younts passed away last August at the age of 93. Dr. Younts left a legacy as a lifetime Anderson University trustee and as the namesake of the Dr. Melvin and Dollie Younts Stadium at Spero Financial Field—the future home of the Trojan Football team.

“We are beyond excited to start our Trojan Football program, and his willingness to invest in our vision is what made the difference.”

– Bert Epting, Jr., Ph.D.
Vice President for Athletics

In addition to being a lifetime Anderson University trustee, Dr. Younts was a noted South Carolina attorney, investor and philanthropist.

Dr. Younts was a 1950 graduate of Furman University and a 1952 graduate of the University of South Carolina School of Law. He was a retired attorney of the firm Younts, Alford, Brown and Goodson and experienced tremendous success in a variety of business endeavors, including real estate development.

“We are so thankful for the vision, leadership and investment of Dr. Melvin Younts in Anderson University,” said Dr. Bert Epting, vice president for athletics. “His willingness to be a transformational giver, not only here at Anderson, but all across South Carolina, should be celebrated and remembered, as his legacy of giving will be felt for many years to come. We are beyond excited to start our Trojan Football program and his willingness to invest in our vision is what made the difference. Thank you, Dr. Younts. The Trojans will make you proud.”

A long-time resident of Fountain Inn, South Carolina, Dr. Younts made countless charitable gifts to Christian non-profit organizations.

His $3 million challenge gift to Anderson University was a catalyst for beginning a Division II football program in the South Atlantic Conference.

“One couldn’t be around Dollie and Melvin without laughing and having a wonderful time,” President Evans Whitaker said. “In their 80s, they were more active and involved than many younger couples. Words are not sufficient to fully explain the enormous impact Dr. Younts has had not only on Anderson University, but throughout South Carolina. Together, he and his late wife, Dollie Isgett Younts, supported numerous charitable causes in his home state. Simply put, the world is a better place for Melvin and Dollie Younts having lived in it and invested in it. They changed countless lives for the better because of their selflessness and commitment to leaving a legacy that will last for generations.”