Dickson Family Endowed Scholarship established at Arkansas Tech University – River Valley Democrat-Gazette
RUSSELLVILLE — Bob and Elisa Dickson have established the Dickson Family Endowed Scholarship through the Arkansas Tech University Foundation, according to a press release from the university.
Bob Dickson, a 1968 graduate of Arkansas Tech with a degree in mathematics, said he 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.”
The Dicksons previously stepped forward to assist Arkansas Tech students by providing financial support for opportunities such as interdisciplinary collaborative solutions courses, according to the release.
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 Arkansas Tech, the release states. Secondary priority will be for graduates of high schools from elsewhere in Yell County, Newton County or Boone County who enroll at the university. 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, according to the release.
“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, the release states. 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.”
Current and future ATU students with an interest in applying for privately-funded scholarships made available through the ATU Foundation can visit www.atualumni.com.
Individuals interested in establishing or contributing to a scholarship through the ATU Foundation may call (479) 968-0400 or send e-mail to [email protected].
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