Warren Batts’ Philanthropy

Warren Batts earned his bachelor's degree in electrical engineering from Georgia Tech in 1961. He often acknowledges that his success as the former chairman and CEO of various multibillion-dollar corporations, such as Tupperware, Premark International, and Dart & Kraft, was possible only because of Georgia Tech and its cooperative education (co-op) program.

Reflecting on those formative years, Batts recalls, "I am most proud of being accepted into Georgia Tech. At the time, Georgia Tech was one of the few places that had a co-op program that helped you work your way through college." This program not only enabled him to sustain his education but also marked a life-changing journey for the Florida native.

Batts' gratitude toward his alma mater is profound. Recognizing the importance of extending a helping hand, he and his wife, Eloise, have translated their appreciation into transformative support. Their philanthropic endeavors have positively impacted more than 900 students in engineering and in the TI:GER (Technology Innovation: Generating Economic Results) program at Georgia Tech.

“I like that TI:GER prepares students for the real world. It gives them a real opportunity to take a great idea and go through the process of creating a technology business, so students are better prepared for the business world.”

– Warren Batts

Batts' philanthropic ripple effect began in 1997 with the establishment of an endowed fund for scholarships in the co-op program, prioritizing computer engineering and electrical and computer engineering majors. This endowment has since empowered more than 140 students, mirroring Batts' journey of determination and achievement.

In 2011, Batts continued his legacy by designating a substantial gift to co-op scholarships through his estate. Simultaneously, he established the Warren L. Batts Scholarship Endowment Fund, a beacon for third-year electrical and computer engineering students with a penchant for integrating commercialization into their academic pursuits.

Batts' connection with Georgia Tech stretches beyond scholarships. In 2005, his encounter with three students from the TI:GER program sparked a new dimension of his philanthropic vision. Inspired by their experiences and the transformative potential of the program, he established an endowment fund for the TI:GER program at the College of Management (now the Scheller College of Business).

Batts describes his affinity for TI:GER by saying, "I like that TI:GER prepares students for the real world. It gives them a real opportunity to take a great idea and go through the process of creating a technology business, so students are better prepared for the business world." Initially funded by a National Science Foundation grant in 2002, the TI:GER program has evolved into a STEM concentration in Strategy and Innovation. It seamlessly pairs Scheller Evening and Full-time MBA students with Georgia Tech Ph.D. candidates from diverse technology fields to immerse them in entrepreneurship through technology innovation projects.

Batts' journey continued after graduation from Georgia Tech as he ventured to Harvard Business School on a fellowship, graduating in the top 10% of his class with an MBA in 1963. He went on to climb the corporate ladder, beginning his career at the Kendall Company. He worked in manufacturing before switching to consulting as the vice president of Douglas Williams Associates from 1966 to 1967.

After leaving Douglas Williams Associates, Batts flexed his leadership skills. He co-founded the Triangle Corporation in 1967, a producer of hand tools and accessories. He was the president and CEO before joining the Mead Corporation in 1971 as vice president of the paper group. Batts ultimately served as chairman and CEO of Tupperware Corporation. The plasticware company achieved revenue of $1.4 billion in 1996 before Batts retired in 1997.

In retirement, Batts continued to offer his wisdom, serving on the Georgia Tech Foundation Board of Trustees and the Georgia Tech Advisory Board, holding the chair position. In 2005 he was named a College of Engineering Distinguished Alumnus and was inducted into the Engineering Hall of Fame in 2014.

On September 2, 2024, Warren Batts passed away peacefully at the age of 92. He is survived by his loving wife, Eloise, their daughter, Terri, and son-in-law, Richard. His pioneering contributions to technology innovation will never end and continue to inspire and shape the future of many more students.