ASU System Announces 2025 Welch Presidential Scholars
06/25/2025
LITTLE ROCK – Five graduates of Arkansas State University System two-year institutions have been selected as 2025 Charles L. Welch Presidential Scholars.
The Presidential Scholars program was created in 2024 to honor the legacy of Welch, President Emeritus of the ASU System, for his nearly 13 years of service. The annual program honors a deserving scholar from each ASU System two-year institution who transfers successfully to an ASU System four-year university. Each of this year’s honorees will receive a $1,000 stipend.
The 2025 Welch Presidential Scholars are:
- ASU-Beebe – Jocelyn Person of Searcy. She received an Associate of Science degree in liberal arts and sciences and will transfer to Arkansas State University in Jonesboro to pursue further education and a career in social work. She was an active member of the TRIO Leadership Council, served as vice president of programming for the Residence Hall Association and was chair of Student Government's Campus Service Council.
- ASU-Mountain Home – Sadie Quick of Mountain Home. She received an Associate of Science degree in elementary education and will transfer to Arkansas State to pursue a bachelor’s degree in elementary education. She was ASUMH Student Government Association president, a member of Phi Theta Kappa, a member of the Women’s Leadership (Step Up, Reach Back) group, a student ambassador, creator of The Hoot and secretary of the Future Teachers Club.
- ASU-Newport – Cheyenne Sheppard of Paragould. She received an Associate of Applied Sciences degree in natural science and will transfer to Arkansas State to pursue studies in wildlife, fisheries and conservation. She was involved in the Phi Theta Kappa honors program, student leadership and community engagement activities.
- ASU Mid-South – Raven Horton of Olive Branch, Miss. She received an Associate of Science degree in elementary education and will transfer to Mid-South’s Arkansas State degree center to pursue a bachelor’s degree in elementary education. She was an active member of Beta Epsilon Psi Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society and served as president of Sigma Epsilon chapter of Sigma Kappa Delta, the National English Honor Society.
- ASU Three Rivers – Drake Ezekiel of Sheridan. He received an Associate of Arts degree in general studies and will transfer to Arkansas State to pursue a bachelor’s degree and graduate education.
“We are elated to recognize this outstanding group of Welch Presidential Scholars,” System President Dr. Brendan Kelly said. “These students represent academic excellence and service at our two-year campuses. We’re pleased they have chosen to continue their studies at Arkansas State and can’t wait to see what the future holds for them.”
Contributions to the Charles L. Welch Presidential Scholars fund may be made through the ASU System Foundation Inc., P.O. Box 1990, State University, AR 72467, with “Charles L. Welch Presidential Scholars Fund” designation on the memo line. If you wish to make a donation online, use this link and note “Welch Scholars Fund.”
