MADISONVILLE, Ky.--Dr. Freddie Mayes, owner of Oak Tree Eye Clinic in Central City and a well-known area optometrist, has been elected as the newest member of the Madisonville College Foundation.

Mayes is the fifth Muhlenberg County representative to join the Foundation since 1999, whose voluntary mission is to assist with fund-raising efforts for Madisonville Community College, and to provide advocacy and support for goals established by the college president, Dr. Judith L. Rhoads.

Mayes holds a Bachelor's from Vanderbilt University and a Doctor of Optometry from the University of Alabama-Birmingham and has been involved in development activities in support of MCC for the past decade. He was very active throughout the Partners in Progress Campaign of the mid-1990's when he and his family provided a generous gift to the Muhlenberg County Campus. He is an active member of the Central City Alumni Association and the First Baptist Church of Central City.

Current Foundation Vice-Chair, Joe Ben Tucker was elated that Mayes had accepted the Foundation appointment. "Freddie brings a lot of experience and common sense to the Madisonville College Foundation. He and his family have always been generous to MCC and his professional reputation and resume of community service bring a lot of credibility to our future projects. As our local scholarship opportunities increase and we look to add Phase II to our campus, Dr. Mayes will be a key part of our plans."

The Madisonville College Foundation has helped Dr. Rhoads and the college's Advancement Office secure over $6.8 million in pledges over the past 70 months in support of the Fulfilling the Promise Gifts Campaign. The campaign has increased scholarship opportunities, arts funding, technology infrastructure and allied health program support. Other Foundation members include Chairman Steve Cox of Madisonville, Vice-Chairman Tucker of Central City, Greg Bruce, Keith Cartwright, Bobby Dampier, Mark Eastin III, Jan Hurst, Glema Mahr, and Allen Rudd of Hopkins County; Billie Cole and Judge Tommy Chandler of Webster County, Gareth Hardin of Crittenden County and Dr. Gary Givens of Muhlenberg County. New members from Hopkins County and the Greenville area are expected to be named over the next 90 days.