Jake Eldridge and Summer Winders have been named as the recipients of the EACC Foundation's Jessie E. Smith Swindle Nursing scholarships for the fall semester 2022.

The Jessie Smith Swindle Nursing Scholarship is dedicated to assisting full time EACC nursing students from Cross County, Arkansas.  The award is $500 per academic semester, based on availability of funds to cover expenses of tuition, fees, books and supplies.

Jake Eldridge is currently enrolled in EACC's Associate of Science in Nursing degree program.  After completing his degree, Eldridge plans to continue his education to achieve a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree and eventually become a nurse practitioner.  "I am very thankful to the EACC Foundation for this blessing of receiving this scholarship," said Eldridge.     

Summer Winders is currently enrolled in the Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) program at EACC.  After graduation, she plans to continue her education to obtain a Bachelor of Science in Nursing through the University of Arkansas and hopes to eventually complete her education to become a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist.  "I am thrilled about being selected to receive this nursing scholarship" said Winders.  "It is such an honor," she added.   

The family of Jessie Smith Swindle established this scholarship to honor her memory and show support for nursing education which was such an important part of her life.  At age 50, Jessie began her training to become an LPN.  Once completed, she had a nursing career that spanned 22 years in Cross County, Arkansas.  The Jessie Smith Swindle Scholarship is made possible through the generosity of her son, Ronald K. Swindle and his wife, Minette Clarke-Swindle.

The EACC Foundation's mission is to generate support and advocacy for East Arkansas Community College in the communities it serves.

Scholarship recipient Jake Eldridge with Pierre Evans, EACC Foundation Board member	Scholarship recipient Summer Winders with Pierre Evans, EACC Foundation Board member