JONESBORO, Ark. — The family of longtime Arkansas State University educator Ronald Wade Towery has committed $30,000 to establish an endowed scholarship for future teachers, with preference given to students balancing college with work and family responsibilities.
His wife, Pam Towery, and daughter, Kim Towery Childers, established the Ron Towery Family Scholarship through the Arkansas State University System Foundation after his death in May 2025, according to a university announcement.
Towery retired from A-State in 2024 after 36 years in the College of Education and Behavioral Science. His career in education spanned more than 50 years.
The scholarship will benefit students majoring in mid-level education, with preference given to nontraditional students. Those students may include people 25 or older, single parents or students working at least 20 hours a week while completing their degrees.
Recipients must maintain a minimum 2.8 GPA and demonstrate progress toward admission to the Teacher Education Program. The award may be renewed through a recipient’s residency year if scholarship and program requirements are maintained.
“Ron devoted his life to education and believed deeply in the potential of every student,” Pam Towery said in the announcement. “Creating this scholarship is a way for our family to honor his legacy while helping future teachers pursue their dreams and make a difference in the lives of others.”
The family said the scholarship was designed to ease financial burdens for students managing coursework alongside jobs, family and other responsibilities as they prepare to become educators.
During his time at A-State, Towery served as a department chair, mentored faculty members and helped develop teacher education curriculum and partnerships with schools across the region, according to the university. He was known affectionately as “Dr. T.”
“One of the many things we admired about dad was his genuine concern for students and their success,” Childers said in the announcement. “He spent his career encouraging future teachers and helping them navigate challenges. We hope this scholarship continues that work for years to come.”
The College of Education and Behavioral Science Scholarship Committee will award the scholarship, which will provide annual support through earnings generated by the endowment.
For more information about giving opportunities at A-State, contact the Office of Development at 870-972-3940 or development@AState.edu.
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