University of Arkansas Creates Veterans Scholarship

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – The University of Arkansas is in the process of creating 20 non-renewable scholarship awards, valued at $3,000 each, to be awarded to U.S. veterans who attend the university full time, beginning in the 2009-2010 academic year. Details for the application process and eligibility are still being worked out.

“These scholarships are an important step toward welcoming veterans to the University of Arkansas by helping them meet the cost of continuing their education here,” said Chancellor G. David Gearhart. “I also want to commend Jeff Long and the athletic department for their willingness to support this program.”

Part of the funding for the scholarships will come from a prize awarded to the athletic department. This week the Razorbacks won the “Pontiac Game Changing Performance of the Week” award for senior Casey Dick’s 24-yard touchdown pass to junior London Crawford in the closing seconds of Arkansas’ 31-30 win over LSU. Arkansas will receive a $5,000 scholarship contribution from Pontiac, and vice chancellor and athletic director Jeff Long has decided to designate that money for the newly established veterans scholarships.

“We all owe a debt of gratitude to those who have chosen to serve and defend this great nation,” said Long.

Suzanne McCray, interim dean of the Honors College, said that the scholarships will be awarded to veterans who are currently enrolled at the university and also used to recruit recent veterans to attend.

“Because this is a one-time award, it will basically supplement other funding that veterans are able to receive. We do plan to favor veterans who receive benefits under the old G.I. bill since they will have less support than more recent veterans,” said McCray.

 “Members of the campus Veterans Task Force, including the student organization Military Past and Present on Campus, were instrumental in identifying the need for these scholarships, and we expect more input from them as we work out the details.”