Eric Plow and his wife, Susan Nininger, relax outside at the North Carolina Botanical Gardens during the Gerrard Society reception. In 2011, Eric established a bequest for the UNC Adams School of Dentistry in gratitude for his experiences as an employee. (Photo submitted)
As a boy growing up in Asheville, North Carolina; a college student at North Carolina State University; or an actuary at a life insurance company; Eric Plow might not have guessed he would later put the UNC Adams School of Dentistry in his estate plan. But when he began working as a computer programmer for the dentistry school in 1973, Eric’s experience led him to do just that.
“They were good to me,” Eric said. “And in a couple instances, they were very good to me. I felt I needed to give back.”
Eric’s transition to an IT role at UNC-Chapel Hill was largely due to convenience, as the position allowed him to work closer to home. The role proved to mean much more to Eric than a shorter commute.
“It was just a great working environment,” Eric said, “and I really enjoyed working with dentists.” Eric made an especially close connection with his boss, Dr. Clifton Crandall.
Shortly after Eric began working at the school, he lost power due to an ice storm. Clifton quickly invited Eric and his family to stay at his home until the power was restored. Later when Clifton took a sabbatical to the Netherlands, he invited Eric to visit him. “He was a great man,” Eric said.
The relationships Eric formed with his coworkers combined with the pleasant educational environment made the dental school a place Eric never wanted to leave. Even when he received an offer for a higher-paying role elsewhere, he decided to turn it down. “I’m glad I did,” Eric said.
Eric retired from the Adams School of Dentistry in 1999, but his story with the school was not over. “They provided a livelihood for me for almost 30 years,” Eric said. “I felt I needed to give back.”
In 2011, Eric established a bequest to benefit the Adams School of Dentistry in recognition of the impactful experiences he had there. “I just think it’s the right thing to do,” Eric said. He also uses the gift to remember Clifton, who died in 2022.
By giving through a bequest, Eric and his wife, Susan Nininger, feel secure throughout retirement. Upon realization of the gift, Eric hopes it will benefit all aspects of the dental school, including financial assistance for students, research and teaching.
For others considering leaving behind a gift for a cherished organization, Eric encouraged that it’s worth it. “You can leave something behind that will carry on your memory,” Eric said, “even though people may not know who did it.”
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