May 7, 2008
East Arkansas Community College-Forrest City
Press Release

The family of Dr. Ben T. Whitfield has established an endowed scholarship at East Arkansas Community College in Forrest City to honor his memory and to show support for education which was such an important part of his life. 

Dr. Whitfield served as the interim college President at East Arkansas Community College from August 1998 to June 1999. Dr. Whitfield was a long time educator in Arkansas. He was the founding President of South Arkansas Community College in Eldorado, Arkansas and also served in various positions at West Arkansas Community College (now University of Arkansas at Fort Smith).

The Dr. Ben T. Whitfield Endowed Scholarship is made possible through the generosity of his wife, Mrs. Adell Whitfield.

The Whitfield Endowed Scholarship is dedicated to assisting a first-time entering college student at EACC who plans to attend as a full-time student.  The award is $250 per semester, based on availability of funds to cover expenses of tuition, fees, books and supplies.

“Dr. Whitfield was one of the finest men I have ever known,” said Dr. Coy Grace, President at East Arkansas Community College. “He was a role model in every aspect of his life. When faced with a difficult decision, I often consider what Dr. Whitfield would have done. It is a wonderful testimony to him that students can continue their education because of his legacy. I know he would be pleased.”

Criteria for application is as follows:
The student must be a high school graduate, a first-time entering college student, and must have a minimum cumulative 2.5 GPA on high school transcript. The applicant should be enrolled as a full-time student with a minimum of 12 hours per semester. The applicant must present two letters of recommendation -one from a high school instructor or counselor and one from a community member.  Both letters should document evidence of the student’s desire to pursue an education. Recipients must maintain a 2.5 GPA at EACC and full-time student status to receive the second semester award.

The deadline for application will be August 1st, 2008. For more information or a copy of the application, please contact the EACC Office of Financial Aid at 870-633-4480 ext. 225.