In 2012, Dr. Charles B. Reed, chancellor emeritus of the California State University, and his wife, Catherine S. Reed, endowed a scholarship fund to recognize an exemplary CSU Trustees' Award for Outstanding Achievement recipient.

Dr. Reed served as chancellor of the California State University from 1998​​​ to 2012. Dr. Reed spent more than a quarter-century as the leader of the country's largest higher educational systems. Prior to his appointment at the CSU, he served as chancellor of the State University System of Florida (SUSF) for 13 years, the longest tenure of any SUSF chancellor. Previously, Dr. Reed also served as chief of staff of the Florida Governor's Office and director of the Office of Planning and Budgeting in the Commissioner's Office of the Florida Department of Education.

Dr. Reed earned national and international recognition as an innovator, problem-solver and strategic thinker. He was one of the country's premier experts on P-16 collaboration, institutional aid, and outreach to under-served student populations. A recipient of numerous honors, Dr. Reed received honorary degrees from seven universities.

Among the many boards on which Dr. Reed served were the President's Roundtable for the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards, the Board of Directors for the National Center for Educational Accountability, the College Education National Board (the College Board), the Advisory Board for the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), and the National Advisory Group for the National Governors Association.

Dr. Reed held a bachelor's degree in health and physical education, a master's degree in secondary education and an Ed.D. in teacher education, all from The George Washington University.

Upon Dr. Reed’s passing in 2016, many donors paid tribute to his leadership by contributing to this scholarship. In 2024, additional donations were added to the scholarship fund in memory of Mrs. Reed.