2017 Distinguished Alumni 
Herby Branscum ‘63 practiced law in Arkansas for more than 50 years in Pulaski and Perry Counties. During that time, Branscum served eight years as District Judge of Perry County, Arkansas (1974-1982) and eleven years on the Arkansas State Claims Commission (1974-1985), during which he served his last six years as Chairman. He served ten years on the Arkansas Highway Commission (1991-2001).
Branscum served as president of the Arkansas Young Democrats 1970-1972 and hosted the National Convention of the Young Democrats of America in Hot Springs. He was Chairman of the Arkansas Democratic Party from 1976-1982 and was on the National Democratic Committee for six years. Branscum was awarded the Harry S. Truman Award for outstanding leadership by the Young Democrats of America in 1979.
Concurrent with his law career, Branscum was involved throughout the local banking industry. Branscum was on the Board of Directors of Perry County Bank and Chart Bank from 1982-2008. During this period Branscum served intermittently on an annual basis as Chairman of the Board with his partner, Robert Hill. Branscum was instrumental in organizing the First Community Bank in Conway, Arkansas, which was later sold to First Security Bank of Searcy. Branscum served on the First Community Bank Board of Directors for three years after its organization.
Branscum has been active in his local community by organizing a Jaycee Chapter in his hometown, serving as its president and also president of the local Lions Club. He and his wife regularly attend the First Baptist Church in Perryville, Arkansas where he has taught an adult Sunday school class for the past thirty-seven years.
In addition to Branscum graduating from UCA, his wife, Billie Jo and their three children, James, Chris and Elizabeth, have all attended UCA. He has maintained a close relationship with UCA having served on the Board of Trustees from 1985-1991 and on the UCA Foundation Board from 1989-2004. In 2016, Branscum received the Governor Ben Laney Alumni award for leadership and achievements from UCA’s Sigma Tau Gamma Chapter.
Growing up in the 40’s and 50’s as one of eleven children, Branscum understood the importance of working hard and obtaining a higher education. This understanding led him to establish the Herby Branscum, Jr. Scholarship at UCA more than fifteen years ago.
