Dedmans Establish Legacy Scholarship to Support A-State Students
JONESBORO — A new scholarship at Arkansas State University will help Arkansas students pursuing degrees in business and STEM fields while honoring the values of education, opportunity and service that have shaped one Arkansas family for generations.
Ronald Dedman ’78 and Mitchell Dedman ’11, both of Little Rock, have established the Ronald and Mitchell Dedman Legacy Scholarship, creating a $50,000 endowment through the Arkansas State University System Foundation to support undergraduate students attending A-State.
The scholarship is intended to assist Arkansas residents enrolled on campus who are pursuing degrees in business or STEM disciplines. Recipients must have a minimum 2.8 GPA and will be selected through the university's scholarship process.
The scholarship reflects the Dedman family's longstanding connection to Arkansas State and belief in the transformative power of higher education.
Ronald Dedman earned his degree from A-State in 1978 and went on to a distinguished career with AT&T, retiring in 2022 after more than 45 years with the company. A native of Tuckerman, he began his career as a summer intern and worked as a directory assistance operator while attending Arkansas State before advancing through leadership roles that culminated in his appointment as president of AT&T Arkansas in 2018.
His son, Mitchell Dedman, graduated from Arkansas State in 2011 and serves as chief executive officer of Executive Services Inc., a Little Rock-based facilities maintenance and support services company. Together, the father and son established the scholarship to create opportunities for future generations of Arkansas students while honoring the role education has played in their own lives and careers.
For the Dedmans, the scholarship represents an investment in future generations and the belief that education can transform lives.
"Education has the power to change lives, open doors and create opportunities that can impact generations," said Mitchell Dedman. "We believe in investing in the future, and this scholarship is our way of helping deserving students pursue their goals and build successful lives."
The scholarship was established as a partnership between father and son, reflecting their shared commitment to hard work, perseverance and giving back to their community.
"I'm especially honored to partner with my dad on this endeavor," 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."
The endowment will provide long-term support for students while creating a legacy of educational opportunities at A-State. The donors hope the scholarship will encourage future recipients to pursue their goals and make meaningful contributions in their own communities.
"We are grateful to Arkansas State University for helping us establish this scholarship and look forward to seeing the impact it will have on future generations of Red Wolves," Dedman said.
The Ronald and Mitchell Dedman Legacy Scholarship will begin supporting students in fall 2026, with annual awards funded through the endowment and donor support.
For more information about this and other opportunities to give at A-State, contact the Office of Development at 870-972-3940 or development@AState.edu.