Crossett Student Receives Scholarship

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Courtesy of Media Services

Awarded -  Dana Thompson of Crossett address a meeting of the Arkansas Association of Continuing and Adult Education as Sen. Shane Broadway (right) listens.

Courtesy of
Media Services

   A few well-placed words of encouragement have changed the life of a Crossett woman.

   Dana Thompson, a 27-year-old wife and mother, was recently awarded the 2005 Dr. Luther Black Scholarship, presented by the Arkansas Association of Continuing and Adult Education at its annual conference in Little Rock.

   Thompson earned her General Educational Development credential, the equivalent of an Arkansas high school diploma, through the adult education  program at the University of Arkansas at Monticello's College of Technology-Crossett.

   "One of the GED teachers told me I was intelligent," Thompson said. "Never in my life had anyone ever said that to me. That statement completely changed my life."

Courtesy of Media Services

Dr. Luther Black Scholarship Winner  -  Dana Thompson stands next to daughter Paige.

   A first generation college student, Thompson is currently enrolled at UAM where she is a freshman general studies major and a member of the Chancellor’s List which requires a perfect 4.0 grade point average in at least 12 semester hours of course credit.

   In accepting the scholarship, Thompson addresses an audience of over 350 adult educators, state administrators, her family and State Senator Shane Broadway who later lauded Thompson for her accomplishments.

   Lloyd Husky, chairman of the Luther Black Scholarship Committee and director of the Shorter College Adult Education Program in North Little Rock, called Thompson "a worthy recipient" of the scholarship.

   "Dana portrays all the qualities of the adult learner for whom Dr. Black built a powerful system of education and support in Arkansas," he said. "It is gratifying that Dana wants to instill her fervor for education in others, and that she aspires to teach.  Individuals like Dana need someone to believe in them, and once that belief has taken hold, the true magnitude of their potential can be fully developed."

   Chancellor Jack Lassiter called Thompson "a shining example" of UAM's mission.

   "This institution has, and always will be, about opportunity," he said. "Mrs. Thompson took advantage of a program available to her through our College of Technology in Crossett. Her story is like that of so many of our students. I applaud her for her efforts and for her dedication."

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