Scholarship to Aid Future Teachers Formed in Honor of Dr. Carolyn Martin Bowers
JONESBORO – Students seeking a degree in early childhood education at Arkansas State University will have the opportunity to get help with their education thanks to a newly endowed scholarship.The Dr. Carolyn Martin Bowers Endowed Scholarship in Early Childhood Education has been established and will provide $1,000 annually. This endowment is in honor of Dr. Bowers, who taught many future educators at A-State for more than two decades before retiring in 1997.
“Education is extremely important, so helping another student complete a degree is always a good thing,” said Linda Martin Thompson of Little Rock who endowed this scholarship in honor of her sister.
The annual scholarship will be for undergraduate elementary education majors. It is intended for sophomore, junior or senior students who have a financial need.Bowers was one of eight children born to Forrest and Susie Martin. In addition to Bowers and Thompson, siblings Col. Doyne K. Martin, Bill Martin, Robert Martin, Warren Martin, Carmelita Martin Ferguson and Gary Martin grew up in Ash Flat.Education was an important part of life. Thompson said several family members and extended family members have ties to A-State where several received degrees. She added that their uncle, Troy Martin, had been part of the first graduating class at A-State and helped trailblaze the path to education for their family.Bowers was the only member of the family to earn a doctoral degree, which Thompson said made the entire family proud of her accomplishment.She said her sister was passionate about education and teaching was a great opportunity to help others.“I am happy to support the College of Education and Behavorial Science and ensure more opportunities in that area of work for the future,” said Thompson.Bowers taught at A-State for 22 years beginning in 1975. She earned her doctorate in education at Indiana University, after completing her bachelor's and master’s degrees at A-State.Scholarship recipients will be selected by the College of Education and Behavioral Science Scholarship Committee.Additional information about this and other endowment opportunities at A-State is available through the Office of Development, 870-972-3940 or Development@AState.edu.
