LITTLE ROCK – Five graduates of Arkansas State University System two-year institutions have been selected as 2026 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 2026 Welch Presidential Scholars are:
• ASU-Beebe – Emma Lee Joplin of Mountain Home. She received an Associate of Science degree in agriculture, Associate of Science degree in liberal arts and sciences and a Technical Certificate in agriculture. She will transfer to A-State to pursue a bachelor’s degree in agriculture studies. She was a member of the ASU-Beebe Agriculture Club, Trio and Student Life.
• ASU-Mountain Home – Ty Tilton of Gassville. He received an Associate of Science degree in business and will transfer to Arkansas State University to pursue his bachelor’s and master’s degrees with a focus in healthcare administration. He served as Student Government Association president and was a member of the Fran Coulter Honors Program, Phi Theta Kappa and the TrailBlazer baseball team.
• ASU-Newport – Eli Jamar Tate of Concord. He received an Associate of Arts degree in secondary education and will transfer to A-State to pursue studies as a physical education educator. He was an ASU-Newport Student Ambassador, served in the Student Government Association and helped create the “Blue Coat” Leadership program on campus.
• ASU Mid-South – Cedarius Sanders of West Memphis. He received an Associate of Arts degree and will transfer to A-State to pursue studies in mechanical engineering. He was selected Trio Student Support Services Most Valuable Player for his contributions to campus life, served as an ASU Mid-South Student Ambassador and was a member of Phi Theta Kappa and Sigma Kappa Delta honor societies. He is an ASU System Student Leadership Institute graduate.
• ASU Three Rivers – Savanna Null of Malvern. She received an Associate of Arts degree in general education and will transfer to Henderson State University to pursue studies in psychology. She was a member of the ASU Three Rivers Honors College and a graduate of the inaugural Arkansas State University System Student Leadership Institute.
“We are proud to recognize this outstanding group of Welch Presidential Scholars,” System Interim President Dr. Robin Myers said. “These students represent academic excellence and service at our two-year campuses. We’re excited they have chosen to continue their studies at Arkansas State and Henderson 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.”