As Delta State continues to struggle financially, a new donation should be a big aid to the university’s athletic department.
Bob Dunlap, founder of Dunlap & Kyle Tire Company, pledged $100,000 to Statesmen athletics on Friday. The generous gift will go toward scholarships for student-athletes as well as the enhancement of the department’s nutrition center.
Dunlap, 94, is one of Mississippi’s more noted philanthropists. After building a successful wholesale tire company that operates over 40 Gateway Tire & Service Centers across the U.S., the north Mississippi entrepreneur has supported multiple athletic programs and schools throughout his lifetime.
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“Mr. Dunlap’s donation and support of Delta State Athletics demonstrates his desire to see student-athletes succeed and have a successful collegiate athletics experience,” Delta State athletic director Mike Kinnson said. “Scholarship support allows our programs to strengthen their rosters and improve their overall talent level. We appreciate his commitment to our nutrition center which allows us to continue to provide quality nutritional resources.”
Dr. Lori Spencer of the DSU Foundation also thanked Dunlap while pointing out that the university’s star quarterback, Patrick Shegog, used to work in one of the tire mogul’s stores growing up.
“Mr. Dunlap has a heart of gold which has been proven over and over by his years of giving back to his hometown and all throughout Mississippi,” Spencer said. “When I learned our very own quarterback had worked in Dunlap’s store as a little boy alongside his grandfather, I knew this gift had to honor athletics…Mr. Dunlap has been very good to us.”
