Zac Nobis

Zac Nobis


“Being a science major and keeping up with labs means I'm a little busier doing academics, but I love every second of it," said Nobis. "I love football. I love school, and I love Bluffton."

Knowlton scholarships

The Austin E. Knowlton Memorial Scholarships award  $4,000 to two first-year students and can be renewed annually for four years. Applicants must be residents of Ohio and plan to major in: Mathematics, Engineering, Computer Science, Information Technology, Physics, Accounting, Biology or Chemistry.

Knowlton Scholars will have special opportunities to work alongside faculty members, interact with campus speakers and attend off-campus conferences.

The award and application process:

  • $4,000 is awarded to the recipients.
  • For applicants with outstanding high school records (GPA of 3.5 and ACT of 25 or SAT of 1130), the Knowlton Memorial Scholarship is awarded in addition to other academic merit scholarships. Depending on your record of achievement, it is possible to receive scholarships adding up to full tuition.
  • To be considered, apply to Bluffton University by Jan. 31.  Then, submit the form below before Feb. 1. 



About Austin E. Knowlton

Austin E. Knowlton was a 1927 graduate of Bellefontaine (Ohio) High School and a 1931 graduate of The Ohio State University, where he received a bachelor's degree in architectural engineering.

He was the owner of the Knowlton Construction Company, established in Bellefontaine in 1937. In his lifetime, Mr. Knowlton designed more than 600 buildings, including more than 160 college and university buildings across Ohio, along with many schools, hospitals, and commercial and government structures.

A successful businessman and avid sportsman, Knowlton was a founding partner and chairman of the board of the Cincinnati Bengals and a minority owner of the Cincinnati Reds.

He is widely recognized for his philanthropic leadership, including a special interest in supporting education. The Ohio State School of Architecture is named in his honor, and the Austin E. Knowlton Foundation that he established provided funding for the Knowlton Library in Logan County.

The foundation continues to carry on his interest in providing support for higher education.

Recent recipients

2023 - Ellie Shemenski and Rachel Clark

2022 - Adeline Hilden and Ashley Kloeker

2021 - Colby Schlabach and Gavin Moyer

2020 - Maggie Hartzler and Brooke Barnes

2019 - Riley Larcom and Michael Lindhorst

2018 - Bailee Kingsley and Zachary Nobis

2017 - Abbie Parkins

2016 - Lydia Sorensen

Science scholarship

You may also qualify for a renewable $3,000 Natural and Applied Sciences Scholarship.

Zac Nobis

Zac Nobis


“Being a science major and keeping up with labs means I'm a little busier doing academics, but I love every second of it," said Nobis. "I love football. I love school, and I love Bluffton."

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