Need-based scholarships will honor the Arch Ford legacy
CONWAY–The University of Central Arkansas has received $1 million to endow and establish the Arch Ford Endowed Scholarship program.
Rick ’81 and Anne Massey of Little Rock made the gift to support the retention of first-generation college students through need-based scholarships.
The family established the endowment in honor of Arch Ford, a 1930 Arkansas State Teachers College (now UCA) graduate who served as commissioner of the Arkansas Department of Education from 1953-78. Ford also received a 1992 Distinguished Alumni Award from UCA.
“Our desire is to increase the retention rates of Arkansans who are exemplary students but who need help financially, and Mr. Ford devoted his life to helping the same constituency. We couldn’t think of anyone better to honor with this gift than Arch Ford,” said Rick Massey.
Recipients will be designated as Arch Ford Scholars.
“We are incredibly appreciative of this gift that the Massey family has provided,” said UCA President Houston Davis. “Arch Ford helped to set the stage for increasing the educational capacity of our state. This gift continues his legacy.”
UCA will provide a one-to-one match for all scholarships awarded. These students will also be identified as Arch Ford Scholars.
“President Davis’ commitment to matching this effort dollar-for-dollar exemplifies the university’s continued allegiance to Arkansans with financial need, a population that UCA has served for generations,” said Massey, who has supported UCA for decades.
In response to Massey’s gift, Joe Ford, son of Arch Ford, and his wife, Jo Ellen Ford, of Little Rock, made a $250,000 donation to support the Arch Ford Endowed Scholarship Fund.
“My father would be highly honored to be recognized in this manner,” said Joe Ford. “I can think of nothing better than helping students get an education as an Arch Ford Scholar. He wanted everyone to have the opportunity for an education.”
While preference will be given to first-generation students, scholarship recipients must meet the following eligibility requirements:
- Pell Grant eligible
- Rising UCA sophomore who graduated from an Arkansas high school
- Completed at least 15 credit hours with a 2.5 GPA
The application process also requires a letter of recommendation from a full-time faculty. The UCA Foundation Scholarship Committee will select recipients during the spring semester each year. Scholarships will be a four-year renewable award for scholars who maintain a cumulative 2.5 GPA.
The number of scholarships awarded, as well as the dollar amount given to each recipient, may vary at the discretion of the UCA Foundation Scholarship Committee.
