JONESBORO, Ark. – Arkansas State University students pursuing degrees in business and STEM fields will soon have access to a new scholarship, thanks to a $50,000 endowment created by Arkansas natives Ronald Dedman and Mitchell Dedman. The Ronald and Mitchell Dedman Legacy Scholarship, made possible through the Arkansas State University System Foundation, is designed to assist Arkansas residents enrolled on campus who meet a minimum GPA requirement of 2.8. Recipients will be selected through the university’s scholarship process.
“This scholarship is our way of helping deserving students pursue their goals and build successful lives,” said Mitchell Dedman, A-State Class of 2011 and current CEO of Executive Services Inc., a facilities maintenance company based in Little Rock.
The scholarship reflects the Dedman family’s belief in higher education as a transformative force. A native of Tuckerman, Ronald Dedman graduated from A-State in 1978 before embarking on a 45-year career with AT&T, where he rose to become president of AT&T Arkansas before his retirement in 2022. Dedman began his career with the company as a summer intern and directory assistance operator while attending Arkansas State.
“Education has the power to change lives, open doors and create opportunities that can impact generations,” said Mitchell Dedman, who described the scholarship as a joint effort with his father that honors the values of hard work, perseverance, and giving back to the community.
The endowment will fund annual awards beginning in fall 2026, offering long-term support for students while creating a family legacy of educational opportunity at A-State. The Dedmans aim to inspire scholarship recipients to develop successful careers and make meaningful contributions in their own communities.
“I’m especially honored to partner with my dad on this endeavor,” Mitchell Dedman said. “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.”
For more information about this and other giving opportunities at Arkansas State University, contact the A-State Office of Development at 870-972-3940 or via email at development@AState.edu.