More than a decade ago, John C. Cothran ’54 and Jeanette Cothran demonstrated their profound belief in the power of individuals by making a significant institutional gift. This contribution established the endowment for the Center for Vocational Reflection at Furman University, an institution deeply intertwined with the Cothran family legacy. Known today as the Cothran Center, this initiative stands as a testament to John’s enduring philosophy: “An investment in people never goes down in value.” This statement, made at the time of their initial pledge, continues to resonate deeply with the Cothrans today.
The Cothrans, residents at The Woodlands at Furman, have further solidified their commitment to the university through a recent pledge of $1 million. This generous sum is strategically allocated across three key areas: the Partners Scholarship Program, the Cothran Center, and the Timmons Arena renovation. These investments underscore their dedication to enhancing the Furman experience for students and the broader community.
“We have always felt Furman offers an exceptional education,” John Cothran stated, emphasizing the hallmarks of a Furman education such as the Furman Advantage, intimate class sizes, and a favorable student-to-faculty ratio. He further articulated the motivation behind their giving, highlighting the pressing need to support promising students: “There are a lot of deserving students who can’t afford college at almost any level, but they are bright, brilliant and have great promise. They need a helping hand.”
This conviction led the Cothrans to become foundational supporters of the Partners Program from its inception in 1998. John, who pursued studies in business and economics at Furman and now holds the title of emeritus trustee on the university’s board, expressed his satisfaction with the program: “We’ve been very pleased with that program. It allows us to partner with those who are deserving of aid, and we get to meet the recipients, learn who they are and become friends with them.” This personal connection with the students they support adds a deeply meaningful dimension to their philanthropy.
The Cothrans deeply value the heartfelt letters they have received from students over the years. Jeanette Cothran, who herself holds a business degree from Winthrop University and attended Mars Hill College, shared that students consistently express gratitude for the transformative education they receive at Furman and its profound impact on their lives. Recalling a particularly poignant message, Jeanette quoted a student: “’It’s a dream to attend Furman, and I wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for the scholarship.’” These testimonials underscore the tangible difference their contributions make in the lives of Furman students.
The Cothran family’s association with Furman extends back generations, beginning with John’s father, Rev. Joseph Guy Cothran, a Furman alumnus from the class of 1922 and a U.S. Navy veteran. John himself followed in his father’s footsteps, graduating from Furman in 1954 and serving two years in the U.S. Army at Fort Knox. He vividly remembers visiting Furman’s current campus during its construction phase, which commenced in 1953. Upon returning from his military service and contemplating his career path, John accompanied his father to the cornerstone-laying ceremony for the James B. Duke Library in 1956, a pivotal moment that would shape his future.
During this ceremony, John’s father introduced him to E. Roy Stone Sr., a prominent Greenville real estate magnate recognizable by his signature white 10-gallon hat and coat. John recounted his father’s insightful suggestion: “My father said, ‘You might want to go into the real estate business.’” This encounter proved to be a turning point. Stone became John’s employer and mentor, guiding him towards establishing his own real estate firm in 1962. This marked the beginning of a remarkable five-decade career characterized by numerous successful business ventures.
John Cothran’s distinguished career is marked by a slew of accolades and positions of honor, including his induction into the South Carolina Homebuilders Hall of Fame. He has served as a former member of the Hollingsworth Funds Board and chair emeritus of Verdae Development, Inc., and held past presidencies of both the Greenville Board of Realtors and the Home Builders Association. These achievements reflect his significant contributions to both the business and civic landscape of Greenville and South Carolina.
However, for John and Jeanette Cothran, longtime members of First Baptist Church, their greatest pride stems from their family. Celebrating 63 years of marriage, they are the proud parents of four sons, two of whom are Furman graduates, and grandparents to six grandchildren and four great-grandsons. “I’m proud of each one of them and what they’ve accomplished,” Jeanette shared, highlighting the importance of family in their lives.
Their sons have pursued diverse and successful paths. Clark Cothran ’84 is a senior pilot with American Airlines, while Steve Cothran ’86, a former Furman cheerleader, serves as associate pastor to youth and families at Central Baptist in Newnan, Georgia. Philip Cothran and Scott (“Bootie”) Cothran have embraced entrepreneurial pursuits. Philip resides in Maui, Hawaii, working as a SCUBA instructor and boat captain, and is currently producing a documentary focusing on humpback whale behavior. Bootie, a graduate of USC Upstate, gained national recognition through his eight seasons on “American Ninja Warrior” and is co-owner of Motive School of Movement in Greenville.
The Cothran family are avid supporters of Furman athletics, frequently attending numerous sporting events. Through the Partners Program, they actively follow and support student-athletes from the basketball, football, and tennis teams, and are regular attendees at home basketball and football games. John, who himself played on the men’s tennis team during his Furman days, demonstrated his enduring connection to the sport during a homecoming event for tennis alumni and current players. He brought his vintage wooden racket, a relic of a bygone era, to showcase to the athletes the remarkable advancements in tennis technology over the years. “I left it with the coaches so they could use it as a museum piece,” John recounted with a laugh, illustrating his playful engagement with Furman’s athletic community.
During Partners Program luncheons and other university events, John is sometimes asked by students if he attended Furman. His response, “’Yes, but not this Furman,’” reflects the significant transformation of the university campus over time. Students began occupying the current campus in 1961, and racial desegregation at Furman commenced with the admission of Joseph Vaughn ’68. John Cothran’s connection to Furman spans these eras of change, highlighting both the university’s evolution and his consistent commitment to its mission.
Just as tennis rackets have evolved dramatically, Furman University has undergone significant changes. However, what remains constant for John and Jeanette Cothran is their unwavering commitment to Furman students and the invaluable contributions these individuals make to the Furman experience. Their philanthropic endeavors, epitomized by the Cothran Center for Vocational Reflection and the Partners Scholarship Program, are integral to Clearly Furman, the Campaign for Our Third Century. This ambitious university-wide campaign aims to raise $426 million by 2026, further solidifying Furman’s position as a leading institution of higher education and ensuring that the Cothrans’ legacy of investing in people continues to flourish for generations to come. Learn more about Clearly Furman, the Campaign for Our Third Century, and how you can contribute to shaping the future of Furman University.
