Funded in 1998, The Basil M. Tucker and Carlton G. Purvis Memorial Scholarship is administered through the North Carolina Foot & Ankle Society.
This scholarship is available to a third- or fourth-year podiatry student of any college of podiatric medicine whose permanent residence is North Carolina. Applications are reviewed annually, though the scholarship is not necessarily awarded annually. Eligibility is based upon need, grade point average, and class rank. The $5000 award is made directly to the recipient’s college of podiatric medicine.
Basil M. Tucker was a veteran of World War II. He was a first class petty officer, charged with guarding thee German generals. After serving, he attended Lees-McRae College on the GI bill, followed immediately by Illinois College of Chiropody. In 1951, Dr. Tucker began married life and started private practice in Leaksville, North Carolina. Their family grew to include Angela, born in 1952, and David, born in 1954. Dr. Tucker quickly became active in Society leadership, serving as vice president in 1955 and president in 1956. Basil Tucker passed away May 20, 1998. Basil Tucker’s greatest concern was the cost of podiatry school for future physicians. His son, David B. Tucker, followed him into podiatric practice, retiring in 2019.
Carlton G. Purvis received his B.S. at N.C. State University and Doctorate of Podiatric Medicine from the Ohio College of Podiatric Medicine. He married Kathy in 1972. After completion of his externship and residency, they moved to Rocky Mount and opened his practice in 1976. He was always at the forefront of his profession, holding countless leadership positions including President of the North Carolina Foot & Ankle Society, 1985-1987, and later as President of the North Carolina Board of Podiatry Examiners. Carlton Purvis passed away August 3, 2019. His daughter, Jennifer Purvis Brake, followed him into practice, retiring in 2024.
Submit completed applications with a current resume, letter of interest, and photo (for publicity purposes) to the executive director contact@ncfootandankle.org.