$2M gift establishes endowed directorship for wood utilization and design.

• Position: Mitchell Scott, Amy Scott, Patricia Layton, Clemson University Wood Utilization + Design Institute

Micky and Amy Scott of Allendale have given $2 million to theClemson University Wood Utilization + Design Instituteto endow the institute's directorship.

The Patricia "Pat" Layton Endowed Directorship is named in honor of founding director Patricia Layton and comes as Layton prepares to retire, according to a university news release.

"I am deeply honored and humbled by the Scott family creating this endowment in my name," Layton said in the release. "The work to make the WU+D Institute what it is today is a team effort that included many people, including Micky Scott and his family. Since 2014, I have served as its director, and it has been the joy of my 45-year career. I have been privileged to work with many faculty and other partners to grow a new industry and bring it to life."

Layton will remain director on a part-time basis while the institute board searches for her replacement.

The Scotts, with Micky's brothers Bill and Hank, are fourth-generation owners ofCollum's Lumber Products LLC, a wholesale lumber and pole manufacturer in Allendale.

"When you talk about building with wood, Pat Layton is the top cheerleader and a nationally known expert," Micky Scott said in the release. "The purpose of this gift is to make sure WU+D can replace and retain the best director to sustain the institute and ensure that it continues to play a pivotal role in the success of South Carolina's $21 billion forest products industry for years to come."

The WU+D Institute brings together the state's manufacturing and forestry industries to innovate and advocate for the expanded use of engineered sustainable wood-based materials, such as cross-laminate timber, in a commercial construction market dominated by steel and concrete.

Since its founding in September 2014, WU+D has more than 148 publications, presentations and tours to its credit and has secured more than $3 million in grants. In the process, WU+D has helped forge new markets for South Carolina's timber, formed partnerships with corporations needing engineered wood-product design consultation and prepared Clemson students to take leadership roles in designing and marketing future innovations in wood-based...