JONESBORO – Arkansas State University has announced a new scholarship aimed at supporting Arkansas residents pursuing degrees in business and STEM disciplines. The Ronald and Mitchell Dedman Legacy Scholarship is backed by a $50,000 endowment funded by Ronald Dedman ’78 and Mitchell Dedman ’11, both of Little Rock.
The scholarship will assist undergraduate students enrolled on campus at A-State who maintain a minimum 2.8 GPA. Recipients will be selected through the university's scholarship process. The scholarship will start issuing awards in the fall of 2026, and ongoing funding will be supported by the endowment as well as potential donor contributions.
Ronald Dedman, a native of Tuckerman, graduated from Arkansas State in 1978 and built a remarkable career with AT&T, where he served in roles ranging from directory assistance operator during college to president of AT&T Arkansas in 2018. He retired in 2022 after more than 45 years with the company.
His son, Mitchell Dedman, a 2011 graduate of A-State, serves as the chief executive officer of Executive Services Inc., a facilities maintenance and support services company based in Little Rock. Together, the father and son created the scholarship to honor their family's connection to Arkansas State and their shared belief in the transformative impact of higher education.
In a statement, Mitchell Dedman emphasized the importance of education as a tool for generational change. "Education has the power to change lives, open doors and create opportunities that can impact generations," he said. "This scholarship is our way of helping deserving students pursue their goals and build successful lives."
The Dedmans view the scholarship as both an investment in future students and a tribute to the values of hard work, perseverance, and community service instilled in their family. Reflecting on their partnership in creating the endowment, Mitchell noted his father's influence. "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," he said.
The Ronald and Mitchell Dedman Legacy Scholarship is part of a broader effort by Arkansas State University to increase access to higher education and empower students to contribute to their communities. For more information or to explore other giving opportunities, contact the A-State Office of Development at 870-972-3940 or via email at development@AState.edu.