Participants in the Thomas B. Goldsby Jr. Scholarship program at Mid-South Community College have transferred to more than 170 prestigious colleges and universities in the country including Duke, Vanderbilt, and Syracuse.
The list of institutions has grown by about 30 schools since the last official update. In addition, the Goldsby program’s value to students and parents in Crittenden and surrounding counties has exceeded $10.2 million.
“This program continues to be a very powerful tool in assuring us a brighter future,” said MSCC President Dr. Glen Fenter. “One of the most important things we can do for our region is increase the college-going rate, and this model is one of the greatest ever created to accomplish that. The quality and quantity of transfer institutions clearly demonstrate the tremendous impact the Goldsby Scholarship is having on eastern Arkansas.”
“Thanks to the tremendous generosity and vision of the Goldsby family, we have been able to create a program that simplifies, streamlines, and expedites the transition from high school to college. We are now providing opportunities that literally are unprecedented and unparalleled.”
Jeremy Reece, MSCC Director of Enrollment Services who coordinates the program, said the Goldsby Scholarship continues to generate dividends for the region and its people.
“The number of college credit hours, certificates, and degrees grows significantly every semester, and that demonstrates that the Goldsby Scholarship is an exceedingly wise investment,” Reece said “This is a great giving opportunity to make a difference for young men and women who will do great things, get wonderful degrees, and hopefully return to the area to help the community.”
The program has funded more than 2,680 scholarships, and students have completed more than 5,030 classes while earning 15,000-plus college credit hours. After participating in the innovative, unique program, Goldsby Scholars have used their start at MSCC to earn 500 degrees and certificates, including 26 certificates of proficiency, one technical certificate, 98 associate degrees, 320 bachelor’s degrees, 47 master’s degrees, four JD (lawyer), one DDM (dentist), one PhD, one specialist, and one DC (chiropractic).
In addition to Duke, Vanderbilt, and Syracuse, transfer schools for Goldsby Scholars include (among many others) Arizona State University, Arkansas State University, Baylor University, Christian Brothers University, Drexel University, Florida Atlantic University, Harding University, Hendrix College, Louisiana State University, Miami University, Middle Tennessee State University, Mississippi College, Mississippi State University, New York University, Oklahoma State University, Oral Roberts, Pepperdine University, Purdue University, Rhodes College, Saint Louis University,
SUNY Buffalo, Texas Tech University, The New School Union, University of Arizona, University of Arkansas, University of Arkansas for the Medical Sciences, University of Central Arkansas, University of Cincinnati, University of Florida, University of Illinois, University of Louisville, University of Maryland, Ole Miss, University of Missouri, University of Nebraska at Omaha, University of North Dakota, University of Tennessee, University of Texas-San Antonio, Wellesley College, Wichita State University, and Xavier University.
Since its creation in 2001, the Goldsby Scholarship program has grown exponentially. Fifteen students took advantage of the initial opportunity to earn both high school and college credit free. Since that humble beginning, participation has risen 1,300 percent and the number of hours taken has soared by a similar ratio. The number of students in the program routinely exceeds 200 each semester.
Because the scholarship has far exceeded original expense projections, MSCC has initiated a Parent Partnership program to encourage mothers and fathers who have benefitted to donate a fraction of their savings in support of the Goldsby Scholarship.
“We’re not asking people to give something for nothing; we’ve already provided a service,” Dr. Fenter said. “We’re simply asking families that have received Goldsby scholarships to give back 10 percent of what they saved.”
Awards are currently made to all students who meet the academic and testing criteria. If costs and demand continue escalate, the college may need to make the process more selective, something no one wants to do.
“Our students are very fortunate to have this opportunity, and we just want to make sure that it’s always available,” Reece said. “The beauty of this program is that it doesn’t matter who you are, where you come from, or who your parents are. Everyone who meets the program qualifications receives the award.”
“Sending a donation to the Mid-South Community College Foundation will allow us to continue to give our future doctors, lawyers, business entrepreneurs, and teachers a taste of what college is all about.”
To participate in Goldsby Scholarship Parent Partnership effort at the college, please call MSCC Director of Advancement Patti Coleman at (870) 733-6764 or email her at pdcoleman@midsouthcc.edu. For more information on Goldsby scholarship opportunities at the college, please call Reece at (870) 733-6786.
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