A man of great character and tremendous professional reputation, Dr. Carroll Osburn is a perfect example of adult Scouting leadership and a great model for others interested in developing or supporting Scouting programs.

Carroll grew up in Forrest City, Arkansas in Troop 11 where his father was Scoutmaster. In 1957 he earned the rank of Eagle Scout. He graduated from Harding Academy and then attended Harding College in Searcy where he earned his B.S. and B.A. He holds doctorates from Vanderbilt and St. Andrews in Scotland. Currently he is the Carmichael-Walling Distinguished Professor of Greek at Abilene Christian University.

He is a member and officer in several distinguished groups, associations, and organizations that have international connections. He is also very active in Highland Church of Christ. He is listed in "Who’s Who in Education", "Who’s Who in Religion", and "Who’s Who in Archaeology". He has lectured and conducted seminars in Europe, Africa, the Mediterranean, and South America. For hobbies, he is an avid golfer, pilot, and loves to officiate at NCAA track events.

In the late 60’s Carroll started his payback to Scouting. He volunteered to work in Scouting in Memphis, Tennessee. Because of his travel over the years, it has been hard to dedicate the time and energy needed to sustain his involvement in Scouting. In 1994 he was instrumental in starting Troop 232 at Highland Church of Christ. The troop excelled under his leadership and in 1996 he was awarded the Scoutmasters Award of Merit by the National Eagle Scout Association. Also in 1995 he was a part of a contingency to Russia where he lectured on the "how and why" of Scouting. He is on the Executive Board of the Chisholm Trail Council where he serves as Vice President of Relationships, serves on the Timber Tag staff, and JLT Scoutmaster. Since 1996 he has been working with the Chaplaincy program at Philmont Scout Ranch and will be serving as the Chaplain for the next World Jamboree to be held in Chile. He is also very active in the Members of Churches of Christ for Scouting committee. For 1998 he was selected to be the District Chairman for White Buffalo District where he also serves as Post Advisor for Aviation Post 747.

Carroll and his wife, Linda, have two daughters, Heather and Valerie and one granddaughter, Hayley.

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Current as of 05/31/2003

Chisholm Trial Council Abilene Boy Scouts of America, Texas