Legacy of Service: Caudill family’s commitment to enhancing the arts and education

A glimpse into the Caudill family’s history shows that the spirit of service and philanthropy runs deep. From providing quality medical care to promoting the arts, the Caudill family has helped improve the lives of residents in and around the Morehead area for decades. They’ve made an indelible mark on MSU, in particular. Enhancing the offerings of MSU and providing the opportunity of higher education have been priorities for the Caudill family for decades.

B. Proctor “Proc” Caudill (Class of 1972) and Roberta “Bobbie” Hough Caudill (Class of 1972) started their educational journey on the campus many years before they attended college. They both grew up within walking distance of campus and attended Breckinridge Training School, located in the heart of campus. When they graduated from Breck in 1967, the transition to college was a natural one. Bobbie went on to receive her degree in education while Proc received his degree in business.

Upon graduation from MSU, Proc followed in his parents’ footsteps and began working in the banking industry. He devoted his career to People’s Bank, Sandy Hook and Morehead, and served in several leadership positions. Proc later served as Chairman of the Board at Kentucky Bank in Paris.

At MSU, Proc served on the MSU Foundation’s Board of Trustees and Bobbie was instrumental in establishing the annual Spring Gala at the University. This longstanding event has raised nearly $2 million dollars to support student scholarships and academic initiatives on campus.

Proc has also been heavily involved on the board of the W. Paul and Lucille Caudill Little Foundation, a foundation established by his aunt and uncle. In that role, he has helped bring funding for the arts to Central and Eastern Kentucky. The Little Foundation has provided millions of dollars to fund initiatives to promote the arts.

During MSU’s recent scholarship campaign, they continued their commitment with the establishment of the Proc and Bobbie Caudill Scholarship Endowment, a fund that will support students coming to MSU from Rowan and Elliott counties.

In recognition of this substantial scholarship gift, the Caudill Family Heritage Room in the Adron Doran University Center was named in their honor. It is not the first space on campus to bear the Caudill legacy.

The philanthropic spirit of the Caudill and Little family is demonstrated across campus - the Caudill College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences; the Little Bell Tower; and the Lucille Caudill Little Theatre. No matter what end of campus you’re on, it’s clear that this family has been an integral part of the last several decades and in fact – the combined support from the family makes them the largest philanthropic donors to the University over our 135-year history. It’s clear the Caudill family legacy will continue for generations to come at MSU.