Carroll College has announced the establishment of the Terry Payne Endowed Professorship for Social Work, funded by a $100,000 gift from J.F. Scherer. The professorship is intended to provide ongoing support for faculty in the college’s Master of Social Work (MSW) program and to honor Terry Payne, whose philanthropy was key to launching the program in 2021.
J.F. Scherer, who retired as Executive Vice President of Cincinnati Insurance Company, stated, “Anyone who knows Terry knows how deeply he cares about people and community. He has given generously of himself throughout his life, and the MSW program is something he has cared deeply about. Establishing this endowment is a way to honor that commitment and the example he has set. If others have been influenced by Terry’s example as I have, I hope they will consider joining in supporting this endowment in his name.”
The MSW program at Carroll College began in response to both student interest and regional workforce shortages in behavioral health and clinical social work. Since its launch, it has seen steady growth and achieved initial accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) in March 2024, which is valid for eight years retroactive to 2021.
Enrollment for the 2025–2026 academic year includes 41 students. The first group of graduates became eligible for licensure recently; all six who took the exam passed on their first attempt. The program now attracts students from several states beyond Montana and has introduced options such as a spring start date to improve accessibility for nontraditional students.
Carroll College has also taken steps to make its MSW program more affordable by reducing tuition by 18 percent starting Fall 2025 and introducing partnership scholarships that lower costs further for employees at participating organizations.
Interim Co-President Dr. Jennifer Glowienka commented on the impact of philanthropy: “Carroll’s MSW program exists today because of individuals who believed in its mission from the very beginning. We are deeply grateful to Terry Payne for the early leadership and generosity that helped launch this program as well as his continued investment, and to J.F. Scherer for honoring that legacy through the establishment of this endowed professorship. Their support strengthens our ability to educate social workers who will make a meaningful difference in our communities.”
The college invites those interested in supporting the MSW program or honoring Terry Payne through contributions to contact Major Gifts Officer John Girolami.
