Bob Dickson was raised to believe in the life-changing power of education from an early age.
“Probably the strongest voice for it was my mom, followed very quickly by my grandfather and my dad,” said Dickson. “The education part…when I start looking back…is the thing that gave me a chance in life to do the many interesting things I discovered along the way. I want to try to pay it forward.”
A 1968 graduate of Arkansas Tech with a degree in mathematics, Dickson and his wife, Elisa, have established the Dickson Family Endowed Scholarship through the Arkansas Tech University Foundation as a means of achieving that goal.
The Dicksons previously stepped forward to assist Arkansas Tech students by providing financial support for opportunities such as interdisciplinary collaborative solutions courses.
The top priority for the Dickson Family Endowed Scholarship will be reserved for graduates from Western Yell County High School, Harrison High School or Jasper High School who enroll at ATU. Secondary priority will be for graduates of high schools from elsewhere in Yell County, Newton County or Boone County who enroll at ATU. The scholarship will provide full tuition for two full-time students on an annual basis.
Major fields of study that are prioritized for the Dickson Family Endowed Scholarship are education, agriculture, mathematics or fisheries and wildlife, but all degrees may be considered.
“Not only is an education important, but also having people give you an opportunity is a big deal,” said Dickson, who was raised in the Yell County community of Havana. “I think that happens to all of us, and I know it happened with me. The people who helped me out were not necessarily close friends. In one case, it was a total stranger. I want to pay it forward by being that person who helps someone out.”
An alumnus of the Arkansas Tech Wonder Boys basketball program during the Sam Hindsman era, Dickson began his career in education. He left the principal’s position at Harrison High School to pursue an opportunity in private business and the corporate world with Mass Merchandisers Inc. (later McKesson Inc.) and Fleming Corporation.
“I want to recognize the importance of education in general, promote it and to do it through Arkansas Tech,” said Dickson. “I had an opportunity at Tech, and it was not just what I learned through classes and playing basketball. Overcoming obstacles was a big part of my experience. I found challenges and opportunities that provided lifelong learning tools. Through a combination of education, mentors and creative thinking, I was able to develop skills that served me well. Thank you, Tech.”
Now retired and residing in Harrison, Dickson looks back on his Arkansas Tech education as the foundation for all that he has achieved.
“The people in this area need Arkansas Tech,” said Dickson. “As we move forward, the technology, information and misinformation coming at us from every direction needs clarity. That loops back to critical thinking. I have been reflecting on this for a long time, and my views have never changed. I choose to support Tech because it provided the education needed to help engage and succeed in life.”
Current and future ATU students with an interest in applying for privately-funded scholarships made available through the ATU Foundation are encouraged to visit https://arkansastech.awardspring.com.
Individuals interested in establishing or contributing to a scholarship through the ATU Foundation may call (479) 968-0400 or send e-mail to foundation@atu.edu.
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