JONESBORO, Ark. – A new scholarship aimed at Arkansas residents studying business or STEM fields will be available at Arkansas State University (A‑State) starting in the fall of 2026. The Ronald and Mitchell Dedman Legacy Scholarship is funded by a $50,000 endowment established by father‑son duo Ronald Dedman ’78 and Mitchell Dedman ’11.
Endowment details and eligibility
The endowment, created through the Arkansas State University System Foundation, will generate annual awards for undergraduate students who meet a minimum 2.8 GPA and are enrolled on the A‑State campus. Recipients must be Arkansas residents and must be pursuing a degree in either a business discipline or a STEM (science, technology, engineering, or mathematics) field.
Dedman family background
Ronald Dedman earned his bachelor’s degree from A‑State in 1978. After starting as a summer intern and directory‑assistance operator, he spent more than 45 years with AT&T, rising to become president of AT&T Arkansas in 2018 before retiring in 2022.
His son, Mitchell Dedman, graduated from A‑State in 2011 and now serves as chief executive officer of Executive Services Inc., a Little Rock‑based facilities‑maintenance and support services firm. Together, the two have pledged the scholarship as a way to give back to the community that helped shape their careers.
Family’s motivation
“Education has the power to change lives, open doors and create opportunities that can impact generations,” Mitchell Dedman said. “We believe in investing in the future, and this scholarship is our way of helping deserving students pursue their goals and build successful lives.”
Ronald added, “I’m especially honored to partner with my dad on this endeavor. His example of generosity, integrity and commitment to helping others has had a lasting influence on my life, and it is fitting that this scholarship carries both of our names.”
Impact on the community
The Dedmans view the scholarship as an investment in Arkansas’ future workforce. By supporting students in high‑growth fields such as business analytics, engineering, and computer science, the endowment aims to produce graduates who will contribute to the state’s economy and civic life.
“We are grateful to Arkansas State University for helping us establish this scholarship and look forward to seeing the impact it will have on future generations of Red Wolves,” Mitchell said.
How to apply
Students interested in the Ronald and Mitchell Dedman Legacy Scholarship should contact the Office of Development at Arkansas State University. The office can be reached at 870‑972‑3940 or via email at [email protected] for more information on application deadlines and selection criteria.
Original reporting: NEA Report (Jonesboro) — read the source article.
