A $50,000 gift from Tommy and Kathryn May of Pine Bluff will be used to support underrepresented Arkansas students with financial need at the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville.
The contribution created the new Tommy and Kathryn May Early Access Academy Endowed Scholarship. Incoming U of A students from Jefferson County who attend the Early Access Academy will be given preference for May’s new scholarship.
The gift adds to May’s previous support of the Early Access Academy, which was created with a $75,000 gift from the Simmons First Foundation in 2015.
“The program was formed to increase the exposure of college opportunities for junior high and high school students through college readiness outreach and intensive summer learning opportunities on the University of Arkansas campus,” a spokesman said in a news release.
The Early Access Academy pairs first-generation, low-income and underrepresented students with college readiness and retention professionals, as well as advisers and mentors who faced similar challenges.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
“My wife, Kathryn, and I believe in the Early Access Program and what it can mean in the life of some of our youth,” May said. “We believe this scholarship can be a reward for students who excel in their commitment and performance in the program and are preparing to take the next step in higher education.”
Charles Robinson, vice chancellor for student affairs, applauded May.
“Tommy May is a real champion in the effort to create greater access to the benefits of higher education for deserving Arkansas students,” Robinson said. “The university is very fortunate to have such great benefactors like Mr. May, who help us carry out our land grant mission.”
May, who is the chairman and chief executive officer of the Simmons First Foundation, holds two degrees from the Sam M. Walton College of Business at the U of A and serves on the university’s Campaign Arkansas Steering Committee. He is also involved with the Arkansas Research Alliance Board of Trustees, the Arkansas Executive Forum and the Walton College Dean’s Executive Advisory Board. He is a life member of the Arkansas Alumni Association, a member of the Chancellor’s Society and has been recognized in the Towers of Old Main and as a “ThoroughRed” for his consecutive years of giving.
In 2007, May received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Walton College and the Chancellor’s Medal. In 2008, he was recognized with the Citation of Distinguished Alumni, and in 2010, he was inducted into the Arkansas Business Hall of Fame.