Undergraduate Scholarship Created for Early Access Academy Participants

Photo Submitted

Incoming University of Arkansas students who attend the Early Access Academy will be eligible for a new scholarship.

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Alumnus Tommy May of Pine Bluff has created a new scholarship specifically for accomplished and promising underrepresented Arkansas students with financial need. His gift of $50,000 will establish the Tommy and Kathryn May Early Access Academy Endowed Scholarship.

This gift adds to May’s previous support of the Early Access Academy, which was created with a $75,000 gift from the Simmons First Foundation in 2015. The program was formed to increase the exposure of college opportunities for junior high and high school students through college readiness outreach and intensive summer learning opportunities on the University of Arkansas campus. The Early Access Academy pairs first-generation, low-income and underrepresented students with college readiness and retention professionals, as well as advisers and mentors who faced similar challenges.

“My wife, Kathryn, and I believe in the Early Access Program and what it can mean in the life of some of our youth,” said May. “We believe this scholarship can be a reward for students who excel in their commitment and performance in the program and are preparing to take the next step in higher education.”

Incoming University of Arkansas students from Jefferson County who attend the Early Access Academy will be given preference for May’s new scholarship.

“Tommy May is a real champion in the effort to create greater access to the benefits of higher education for deserving Arkansas students,” said Charles Robinson, vice chancellor for student affairs. “The university is very fortunate to have such great benefactors like Mr. May, who help us carry out our land grant mission.”

May, who is the chair and CEO of the Simmons First Foundation, holds two degrees from the Sam M. Walton College of Business and serves on the university’s Campaign Arkansas Steering Committee. He is also involved with the Arkansas Research Alliance Board of Trustees, the Arkansas Executive Forum and the Walton College Dean’s Executive Advisory Board. He is a life member of the Arkansas Alumni Association, a member of the Chancellor’s Society and has been recognized in the Towers of Old Main and as a “ThoroughRed” for his consecutive years of giving. 

In 2007, May received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Walton College and the Chancellor’s Medal. In 2008, he was recognized with the Citation of Distinguished Alumni, and in 2010, he was inducted into the Arkansas Business Hall of Fame.

About the University of Arkansas: The University of Arkansas provides an internationally competitive education for undergraduate and graduate students in more than 200 academic programs. The university contributes new knowledge, economic development, basic and applied research, and creative activity while also providing service to academic and professional disciplines. The Carnegie Foundation classifies the University of Arkansas among only 2 percent of universities in America that have the highest level of research activity. U.S. News & World Report ranks the University of Arkansas among its top American public research universities. Founded in 1871, the University of Arkansas comprises 10 colleges and schools and maintains a low student-to-faculty ratio that promotes personal attention and close mentoring.