Endowments and Scholarships

Established in 1992 by the Arkansas Association of LeadAR Alumni, the intended purposes of this endowment include the following:

• Secure the future of LeadAR
• Support continuation of the educational process for alumni
• Improve the current curriculum
• Maintain the network of trained alumni

The Arkansas Association of LeadAR Alumni (AALA) was organized in March 1986 by the first class of alumni. The AALA provides continuing education to its membership, acquires funds and resources to assure the continuation of the LeadAR program in perpetuity, as well as serves as a critical communication link among participants, alumni and program advisors, faculty and staff.

LeadAR is an extensive, two-year life-changing program for emerging Arkansas leaders from rural and urban communities. The program's goal is to increase participants' knowledge and understanding of the economic and social changes affecting Arkansas through the practical application of leadership skills and development of expertise in addressing critical problems facing Arkansas communities.

The Arkansas Association of LeadAR Alumni (AALA) Builders Campaign endowment has been funded through outright gifts and pledged gifts by alumni and friends of the LeadAR Program. Pledged gifts have been an important component in growing the AALA Builders Campaign endowment as they have allowed donors to make more significant gifts over a period of several years.

For more information, please see the LeadAR website.

Extension retirees decided to invest in the future of Extension's greatest assets: its employees. They created an endowment in 2003 and continued to contribute until the endowment reached its funding goal in 2008. The Cooperative Extension Service Retiree Scholarship is available to Extension employees to further develop their professional skills for the betterment of the employee and Extension.

Contributions to the CES Retiree Scholarship endowment should be made payable to ADC and mailed to the Development Office, 2301 South University Ave., Little Rock, AR  72204.

Criteria for Application

1. Applicant shall be an active employee with a 50% or greater Extension appointment within the UA System.
2. Applicant shall have more than three years of service with the Cooperative Extension Service.
3. Applicant shall enroll in an accredited academic program or attend an educational program, workshop or conference that will further develop the applicant's professional skills.
4. Prior recipients may apply again.

Application Form

To apply, complete the CES Scholarship online application form that includes (1) one signed letter of support from the supervisor and (1) one signed letter of support from a peer as instructed on the application form by the posted deadline.

Use of Funds

It is preferable that all funds are expended in the year of the award. Use of funds beyond the first year will require a written justification for extending the time beyond one year. This should include a plan for how the funds will be expended in year two.

Recipients of the Cooperative Extension Service Retiree Scholarship

• 2022 - Kimberly Frachiseur, 4-H Program Assistant, Sevier County. Is attending the UofA Cossatot and is working towards a degree in Organizational Leadership.
• 2022 - Megan Maulden, County Extension Agent - 4-H, Saline County. Is attending the University of Arkansas and working towards a Masters of Science in Animal Science.
• 2022 - Julianne Dunne, Instructor - Economic Development, LRSO. Is attending the U. of Oklahoma's Economic Development Institute.
• 2021 - Creenna Bocksnick, 4-H Camping Coordinator. Is attending the University of Arkansas and working towards a PhD in Ag Food and Life Sciences.
• 2021 - Tyler Caston, County Extension Agent - Staff Chair, Stone County. Is working towards a Masters of Science in Agricultural & Extension Education at the University of Arkansas.
• 2021 - Abby Hilton, Fiscal Support Analyst, LRSO. Abby is working towards a Bachelor of Science in Business through the University of Arkansas eVersity.
• 2021 - Andrew Sayger - County Extension Agent- Agriculture - Monroe County. He is working towards a Masters of Science in Agricultural & Extension Education at the University of Arkansas.
• 2020 - Melanie Berman, Arkansas Procurement Assistance Center (APAC) Program Director (LRSO). Is attending a Project Management Professional Exam Prep Course by Management Concepts.
• 2020 - Elizabeth Easley, County Extension Agent - 4-H, Mississippi County (Delta District). Is attending the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville and working towards a Master of Education in Human Resource and Workforce Development.
• 2020 - JoAnn Vann, CEA - Family & Consumer Sciences, Clark County (Ouachita District). She is attending the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville and working towards a Masters of Science degree in Agriculture and Extension Education.
• 2019 - Jodi Blackard, Administrative Coordinator, Lonoke-Entomology. Jodi is attending the University of Arkansas eVersity and working towards a Bachelors of Business Administration.
• 2019 - JoAnn Vann, CEA - Family & Consumer Sciences, Clark County (Ouachita District). She is attending the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville and working towards a Masters of Science degree in Agriculture and Extension Education.
• 2018 -Steve Hefner, Computer Software Analyst (LRSO). He is attending the University of Arkansas at Little Rock and working towards a bachelors degree of Information Science.
• 2018 - Taylor Knox, Program Technician, 4-H Center. He is attending the University of Arkansas at Little Rock and working towards a Masters of Curriculum and Instruction.
• 2018 - Patricia Johnson, Human Resources Specialist (LRSO). She is attending UA Pulaski Tech and pursuing a BS degree in Business.
• 2017 - Lauren Copeland, Program Associate for Health. She is attending the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences and working towards a Master of Science degree in Public Health.
• 2017 - Amy Cole, Digital Media Program Director (LRSO). She is attending the University of Arkansas at Little Rock and working on a Masters of Art, with an emphasis in Graphic Design.
• 2016 - Cally Shore, 4-H Program Assistant, Randolph County (Delta District). She is attending the University of Arkansas Fayetteville and working towards a Bachelor of Science degree in Human Resource Workforce Development.
• 2016 - Jon Zawislak, Instructor - Apiculture (Little Rock State Office). He is working towards a PhD in Entomology at the University of Arkansas.
• 2015 - Ray Benson, CEA-Staff Chair, Mississippi County (Delta District). He is attending Arkansas State University and working towards a Ph.D.
• 2015 - Kristin Higgins, Program Associate-Public Policy, Public Policy Center (Little Rock State Office) to obtain a Master of Science in Agricultural and Extension Education from the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville.
• 2014 - Sherry Beaty-Sullivan, CEA - Agriculture, Howard County (Ouachita District). She is pursuing a doctorate in Agriculture and Extension Education at Mississippi State University.
• 2014 - Ashley Carroll, CEA - Family and Consumer Science, Pulaski County (Ouachita District). She is enrolled in the Registered Dietitian program at the University of Central Arkansas as a post-baccalaureate student.
• 2013 - Leigh Ann Bullington, CEA - Family and Consumer Science, Cross County (Delta District), to pursue a Master of Science in Agriculture and Extension Education, University of Arkansas (Fayetteville).
• 2013 - Cally Shore, 4-H Program Assistant, Randolph County (Delta District), to attend Black River Technical College with plans to transfer to the University of Arkansas to complete a Bachelor's degree in Human Resource Development.
• 2012 - Trina Jackson, Administrative Specialist II, Family and Consumer Science (Little Rock State Office), to pursue a Bachelor's degree in Health Science at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock.
• 2012 - Brad Runsick, CEA - Agriculture, Fulton County (Ozark District), to pursue a Master of Science in Agriculture, Food and Life Sciences, with a focus on plant pathology, University of Arkansas (Fayetteville).
• 2011 - Brenda Duggins, Administrative Support Supervisor (at the time of her award), Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness (Little Rock State Office), to pursue a Bachelor's degree in Accounting at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock.
• 2010 - Carla Haley, CEA - Family and Consumer Science, Miller County (Ouachita District), to pursue a Master of Science in Human and Environmental Sciences, University of Arkansas (Fayetteville).
• 2009 - Vicki Shadell, 4-H Program Assistant, Perry County (Ouachita District), to pursue an Associate's degree in General Education at the University of Arkansas Community College at Morrilton.

This award was established by Frank Bailey in memory of his mother Leone M. Bailey who had a long career with Extension in Marion County. This annual award seeks to recognize an outstanding 4-H youth member in the Marion County 4-H program.

Contact the Marion County Extension Office for details regarding this award.

Throughout her 31-year association with the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture, Dr. Lynn Reese Russell was known for her commitment to higher education and dedication to professionalism. Russell began her distinguished career with the Cooperative Extension Service in May 1975 as a junior field assistant in Miller County. Prior to her retirement in January 2007 as state leader for family and consumer sciences, she held various positions at county and state levels, including temporary summer worker, county agent, and specialist.

The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture honored the memory of Dr. Russell by establishing the Lynn R. Russell Endowed Award for Professional Excellence. Income from the endowment is awarded to an employee of the Cooperative Extension Service to enhance professional skills for the betterment of the employee and the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture.

Contributions to the Lynn R. Russell Scholarship endowment should be made payable to ADC and mailed to the Development Office, 2301 South University Ave., Little Rock, AR  72204.

Criteria for Application

1. Applicant shall be a current employee of the UA System Division of Agriculture Cooperative Extension Service.

2. Applicant shall have more than three years of service with the Cooperative Extension Service.

3. Applicant shall enroll in an accredited graduate program or pursue an educational program that will further develop the applicant's professional skills. Participation in Extension-specific professional organizations is excluded from consideration of this award.

4. Applicant shall complete application form and obtain one signed letter of support from the applicant's supervisor and one signed letter of support from a peer.

5. Prior applicants and awardees may reapply in subsequent years.

Application

To apply, complete the CES Scholarship online application form that includes (1) one signed letter of support from the supervisor and (1) one signed letter of support from a peer as instructed on the application form by the posted deadline.

Use of Funds

It is preferable that all funds are expended in the year of the award. Use of funds beyond the first year will require a written justification for extending the time beyond one year. This should include a plan for how the funds will be expended in year two.

Recipients of the Lynn R. Russell Endowed Award for Professional Excellence

• 2023 - Hope Bragg, Instructor - 4-H and Youth Development. Worked on doctorate degree in Human Resources and Workforce Development at the University of Arkansas.
• 2022 - Jewell Sanders, County Extension Agent - Family & Consumer Sciences, Calhoun County (Ouachita District). Yoga Instructor Training.
• 2022 - Valerie Turner, County Extension Agent - Family & Consumer Sciences, Monroe County (Delta District). Is attending the NEAFCS 2022 Annual Conference.
• 2021 - Allison Howell, County Extension Agent - Agriculture, Clay County (Delta District). Is attending the 2021 National Association of County Extension Agricultural Extension Agents (NACAA) Annual Meeting and Professional Improvement Conference (AMPIC).
• 2021 - Ryan Neal, County Extension Agent- Agriculture, Benton County (Ozark District). Is attending a Online Blueberry Physiology, Production Systems, and Management course from Oregon State University.
• 2020 - Terrika Edwards, Administrative Specialist II, Pulaski County (Ouachita District). Is attending the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences and working towards a Masters of Public Health.
• 2019 - JoAnn Vann, CEA- Family & Consumer Sciences, Clark County (Ouachita District). She is attending the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville and working towards a Master of Science degree in Agriculture and Extension Education.
• 2018 - Amy Cole, Digital Media Program Director (LRSO). She is attending the University of Arkansas at Little Rock and working on a Masters of Art, with an emphasis in Graphic Design.
• 2018 - Taylor Knox, Program Technician, 4-H Center. He is attending the University of Arkansas at Little Rock and working towards a Masters of Curriculum and Instruction.
• 2017 - Lauren Copeland, Program Associate- Health, Little Rock State Office, pursuing MS in Public Health, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences.
• 2016 - Jon Zawislak, pursing PhD in Entomology, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville.
• 2015 - Verna Waddell, pursuing Associates Degree, ASU - Beebe
• 2015 - Angie Freel, pursuing Ph.D. in Human Resources and Workforce Development
• 2014 - Lindsey Sexton, pursuing Master's in Education Technology, University of Arkansas
• 2013 - Jill Williams, pursuing Master's in Business Administration, University of Arkansas at Little Rock
• 2012 - Brad Runsick, receiving Emerging Scientist award, American Forage and Grassland Council Annual Meeting, Covington, KY, January 2013
• 2011 - Jaret Rushing, pursuing Master's in Wildlife Management, University of Arkansas at Monticello
• 2010 - Hazelene McCray, pursuing Master's in Workforce Development Education, University of Arkansas
• 2010 - Stacey McCullough, pursuing Ph.D. in Rural Development, University of Arkansas
• 2009 - Laura Connerly, pursuing Ph.D. in Public Policy, University of Arkansas

 

The Mildred and Liz Childs CES Professional Development Fund became fully endowed March 2010. Given the emphasis that her mother placed upon professional development, Elizabeth "Liz" Childs made annual gifts since 2004 in memory of her mother to benefit the Cooperative Extension Service, a component of the University of Arkansas System's statewide Division of Agriculture.

Income will be used to provide an award allowing county agents and specialists to pursue professional development opportunities: conferences, workshops, special educational programs, and/or advanced degrees. Strong preference will be given to professionals in the Family and Consumer Sciences section.

Mildred Childs had a 27-year career with the Cooperative Extension Service. She was a home economist in Hot Spring, Saline, Lincoln, Bradley and Drew counties. She was a member of Alpha Iota Epsilon Sigma Phi, Arkansas Association of Extension Home Economists, and was lifetime board member of the Arkansas 4-H Alumni Association. In 1980, she was recognized by then-Governor Bill Clinton for her work with volunteers and was named "Woman of the Year" by the Monticello Arkansas Federation of Business and Professional Women's Club.

In collaboration with a longtime dentist in Monticello, the late Bob Burch, Childs pioneered a countywide dental program for elementary youth. Additionally, she began programs on proper nutrition and its relation to heart disease and hypertension in the late 1970's before the subject was fashionable. "I am very proud of my role in bringing health matters to the forefront of people's minds," reflected Childs in an article published in Advance Monticellonian announcing her retirement. "My happiest memories of Extension work will be those of seeing young women emerge as leaders in the community. Seeing them grow and develop as wives and mothers and citizens will also give me a sense of pride. I am only one person though, that represents the broad program of Extension, and without the support of people of Drew County and the Extension state office specialists, my work could not have been possible."

Contributions to the Mildred and Liz Childs Professional Development endowment should be made payable to ADC and mailed to the Development Office, 2301 South University Ave., Little Rock, AR  72204.

Criteria for Application

1. Applicant shall be a current career professional (faculty or county Extension agent) of the UA System Division of Agriculture Cooperative Extension Service.

2. Applicant shall have more than three years of service with the Cooperative Extension Service.

3. Applicant shall enroll in an accredited graduate program, or will register for an educational program, workshop or conference, or will use the funds for educational materials to further develop the applicant's professional skills. Attendance at a national Extension-specific organization annual conference is eligible for consideration of this award.

4. Preference shall be given to family and consumer science professionals.

5. Applicant shall complete application form and obtain one signed letter of support from the applicant's supervisor and one signed letter of support from a peer.

6. Prior applicants and awardees may reapply in subsequent years.

Application

To apply, complete the CES Scholarship online application form that includes (1) one signed letter of support from the supervisor and (1) one signed letter of support from a peer as instructed on the application form by the posted deadline.

Use of Funds

It is preferable that all funds are expended in the year of the award. Use of funds beyond the first year will require a written justification for extending the time beyond one year. This should include a plan for how the funds will be expended in year two.

Recipients of the Mildred and Liz Childs CES Professional Development Fund

• 2023 - Rebecca Simon, Instructor - Family & Consumer Sciences. Working on Doctorate in Agriculture, Education, Communication and Technology from the University of Arkansas.
• 2023 - Katie Cullum, County Extension Agent - Family & Consumer Sciences, White County. Is working towards a PhD in FCS Education from Texas Tech University.
• 2022 - Katie Cullum, County Extension Agent - Family & Consumer Sciences, White County. Is working towards a PhD in FCS Education from Texas Tech University.
• 2022 - Alta Lockley, County Extension Agent 4-H/FCS, Arkansas County. Is working towards a Master of Public Service from the University of Arkansas Clinton School.
• 2021 - Alta Lockley, County Extension Agent - 4-H/FCS, Arkansas County is working towards a Master of Public Service from the University of Arkansas Clinton School.
• 2020 - Mary Beth Groce, CEA - Family & Consumer Sciences, Faulkner County (Ozark District) to attend the 2020 Conway Area Leadership Institute.
• 2019 - Amy Monk, CEA-Staff Chair and Family & Consumer Sciences, Montgomery County (Ouachita District) to attend the 2019 National Extension Association of Family & Consumer Sciences meeting.
• 2018 - Joy West, CEA-Staff Chair and Family & Consumer Sciences, Yell County (Ozark District) to attend the 2018 National Extension Association of Family & Consumer Science meeting.
• 2017 - Jane Newton, CEA-Family & Consumer Sciences, Lincoln County (Delta District) to attend the 2017 National Extension Association of Family & Consumer Sciences meeting.
• 2016 - Dianna Bowen, CEA-Family & Consumer Sciences, Lonoke County (Delta District) to attend the 2016 National Extension Association of Family and Consumer Sciences meeting.
• 2015 - Shea Wilson, CEA-Family & Consumer Sciences/4-H, Prairie County (Delta District) to attend the 2015 National Extension Association of Family and Consumer Sciences Meeting
• 2014 - Jessica Vincent, CEA-Family & Consumer Sciences, Garland County (Ouachita District) to attend the 2014 National Extension Association of Family and Consumer Sciences Meeting.
• 2013 - Debbie Baker, CEA-Family & Consumer Sciences, Clay County (Delta District) to attend the 2013 Galaxy Conference.

For details about the scholarship, visit College 4-H Scholarships.

Bob and Betty Oliver decided to honor their parents (Henry E. and Annie E. Oliver, and Lester B. and Dora C. Ferguson) by establishing a scholarship through the Agricultural Development Council of the University of Arkansas Foundation. Both Bob and Betty were graduates of the University of Arkansas.

For details about the scholarship, visit College 4-H Scholarships.

Contact the Van Buren County Extension Office.

Contact the Washington County Extension Office.