The Michael T. and Elizabeth C. Cotton Endowed Presidential Scholarship was established by the Board of Regents of The University of Texas System on July 12, 2010, to benefit The University of Texas College of Education. Gift funds were provided by Mr. Michael T. and Mrs. Elizabeth C. Cotton.

Michael Taylor Cotton (’79) was raised in Nederland, Texas and received his degree from the University in Petroleum Engineering. Elizabeth Cable Cotton (’80) was raised in Houston, Texas and received her degree from the University in History.

Mike has worked for ExxonMobil his entire career. Elizabeth worked in the banking industry until they had three sons: Taylor, Michael and John. In support of their belief in and love of education, Mike and Elizabeth established the Michael T. and Elizabeth C. Cotton Endowed Presidential Scholarship to benefit students pursuing teaching degrees.