Endowed Scholarships

Frequently asked questions

What is an endowed scholarship?

Endowed scholarships are scholarships created by individuals, families, foundations or groups of donors (such as alumni classes). They can be named in honor or memory of someone, such as a friend, family member or beloved professor.

Scholarship funds are invested in JBU’s endowment and a spending percentage, which is reviewed and set annually by the JBU Board of Trustees, creates the annual scholarship(s) for students with financial need or who meet certain criteria. The long-term objective of the Endowment is to earn a return sufficient to preserve the scholarship for generations to come, as well as to provide for current spending needs. In addition, funds can be added to the scholarship further increasing its value.

Those who create and those who contribute to endowed scholarships will receive custom reports each year, showing its value, amount of growth, information about student recipients and thank you notes from those students. In addition to supporting students, donors also receive other benefits: they become members of JBU’s Master Builders Society, an organization that was created in 1941 to recognize faithful supporters who are committed to advancing the mission of JBU. They are also invited to JBU’s annual Scholarship Dinner, our premier event bringing donors and students together for an evening of celebration.

How do I create an endowed scholarship?

A minimum of $10,000 is required to create an endowed scholarship. In addition to cash gifts, there are a variety of creative ways to fund a scholarship. JBU works closely with donors so that the terms of the endowed scholarship accomplish the donor’s intent.

How are endowed scholarships awarded?

The majority of JBU’s endowed scholarships are awarded to students with demonstrated financial need. The Financial Aid Office evaluates each student’s need and awards based on the appropriate level and in accordance with any stated endowed scholarship criteria. Some endowed scholarships are unrestricted, while others have requirements that the recipient must meet.

What is the impact of an endowed scholarship?

For many, a private education is not affordable in today’s economy when lowered federal tuition aid, inflation, and unemployment affect college choices for many prospective students. These families must make significant sacrifices, and some simply are not able to bridge the gap between their contribution and the cost of an education. This is why JBU remains committed to providing as much financial aid as possible, and endowed scholarships are key to this commitment.

JBU has more than doubled the number of endowed scholarships over the last decade, awarding over $2.3 million each year. Almost 90 percent of JBU students receive financial aid and 276 endowed scholarships significantly contribute to this.

For more information contact:

Steve Onnen

Director of Development

sonnen@jbu.edu

479.524.7429

Brad Edwards

Director of Development

bedwards@jbu.edu

479.524.7468

Agnes M. Weir Endowed Scholarship for Missionary Children

Alice D. McQuay Endowed Scholarship

Alison and George Gratton Endowed Scholarship

Allen Dickason Engineering Endowed Scholarship

Amanda and Bonita Auer Endowed Scholarship

American Society of Professional Estimators Endowed Scholarship

Andrew and Nora Teague Memorial Endowed Scholarship

Angel Harvey Endowed Scholarship

Ann and Vincent Becker Endowed Scholarship

Anna M. Ettinger Memorial Endowed Scholarship

Arthur and Martha G. Martin Endowed Scholarship

Arthur G. and Kathleen B. Hornsby Endowed Scholarship

Attebery/Drake Leadership Endowed Scholarship

Augustine Family Endowed Scholarship

Balzer Family Endowed Scholarship

Barbara and John Bragg Endowed Scholarship

Barbara Hill Memorial Endowed Scholarship

Barnabas (an Encourager) Endowed Scholarship (Acts 4:36)

Barry Jeffrey/IEBA Endowed Scholarship

Beers Family Endowed Scholarship

Bella Vista Community Church Endowed Scholarship

Ben Pollard Memorial Endowed Scholarship

Type: Endowed

Donor: Jerry and Susie Wilson

Established: 2014

Jerry and Susie Wilson created this scholarship in grateful memory of Bill Berry, and in recognition of his integrity, commitment to excellence, blend of talents, courage, optimism, leadership, and his deep faith in God. Bill Berry and Jerry Wilson were President and Executive Vice President respectively of Titan Specialties, Ltd., a manufacturer of oilfield perforating products, based in Pampa, Texas. Along with Clarence Marak, they were owners of the company until selling it in 2007. Bill was unquestionably the heart and soul of Titan and it was Jerry’s privilege to work alongside him, and be wind beneath his wings. Bill was the ultimate encourager. He understood well that people may not remember what you say, but they will remember how you made them feel.

Jerry and Susie Wilson are ardent supporters of local, national, and international ministries. While they are committed supporters of conservative causes such as life before and after birth, their over-arching passion is following Christ, helping grow God’s kingdom on earth, and serving the local church. Jerry C. Wilson is a native and long-time resident of Pampa, Texas. His career included public practice as a CPA, serving as CFO of a chain of discount centers, and founding a chain of retail stores, and Executive Vice President of Titan. Susie Wilson grew up in Overland Park, Kansas. Susie and Jerry met and married while students at Texas Tech University, where Jerry earned his Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Accounting, and Susie earned her Bachelor of Music degrees. In 2006, she earned a Doctorate in Choral Conducting from the University of North Texas.

The Wilsons raised their children in Pampa, Texas. While Jerry pursued entrepreneurial business ventures, Susie was a fulltime homemaker while also serving as pianist at First Baptist Church, maintaining a private voice studio, and performing as an area soloist. She became the assistant choir director at Pampa High School after the children were grown. She has sung with the Dallas Symphony Chorus since 2001, performing multiple times in Carnegie Hall with the DSC, and with famed conductor Robert Shaw. In 2014, the Wilsons celebrated 50 years of marriage. They are the parents of three adult children: Kim Stevens (B.S. Ed. ’93) and husband, Kenny, of Waco, Texas; Chris Wilson and wife, Erin, of Lubbock, Texas; and Greg Wilson and wife, Michele, Wake Forest, North Carolina; ten grandchildren, and one great grandchild. Now living in Dallas, Jerry and Susie love traveling domestically and internationally, and have seen much of the world together. They are involved in their churches in Dallas, Texas, and Scottsdale, Arizona, where they reside in the winter.

Berry Titan Specialties Endowed Scholarship

Beverly Meador Sloan Endowed Scholarship

Bill and Beulah Nemeth Endowed Scholarship

Bill and Dianne Hume Endowed Scholarship

Bill and Donna Berry Endowed Scholarship

Bill and Judy Pollard Endowed Scholarship

Bill and Maria Brown Endowed Scholarship

Type: Endowed

Donor: Bill and Mary Eva George

Established: 2007

When a young man from Pennsylvania graduated from JBU in 1948 by the name of Bill George, no one could have known that his relationship with the university was only beginning. Since that day, Bill’s life was intertwined with the university’s work, both personally and professionally. After receiving his JBU diploma, Bill stepped away from JBU briefly to serve the Department of State in the Foreign Service Division. Just two years later, he began a long tenure of employment working at JBU-owned radio stations in California and Oklahoma. He also consulted at JBU stations in Texas, Florida, and Missouri. For most of his career – 40 years of it – Bill worked with JBU organizations in California. In addition to his radio work, Bill also worked with Brown Military Academy, Southern California Military Academy, the western operations of John Brown Schools, and the John Brown Schools Foundation.

Long-time friends of founder John Brown and his family, Bill and his wife Mary Eva took a personal interest in the university community that goes beyond employment. They frequently hosted students in JBU’s Sound Generation in the 1960s and 1970s as the group traveled through California. Bill lent his leadership and expertise to JBU’s development office and served as a consultant to the university from early 1990 through 2008. Throughout his life, Bill had an interest in serving his community as well as JBU. They volunteered with civic organizations, served on a number of boards, and faithfully gave their time to the churches which they called home. He received a number of awards and honors, including an honorary doctorate degree from JBU in 1998.

In 1994, Bill had the privilege and great responsibility of serving as JBU’s interim president before the arrival of President Lee Balzer later that year. Bill passed away in October of 2008. John Brown University’s Bill George Arena, constructed in 2010, is named in his honor and memory.

Bill and Mary Eva George Endowed Scholarship

Type: Endowed

Donor: Jim and Marilyn Holliday
Friends and family

Established: 2011

Julia Holliday got her nickname, “Billie” from the Billiken doll that was popular in the years before her birth. At the age of 7, Billie moved from Center Point, Iowa to Siloam Springs in 1919 as Southwestern Collegiate Institute, later to become John E. Brown College and finally John Brown University, was beginning. Billie’s mother, known as Aunt Elsie on campus, was the sister of John E. Brown Sr. and had moved with her children to work with her brother in the beginning years of the college. In those early years, Aunt Elsie and her children, including Billie, lived in the Sager Cabin which is still on the JBU campus. Billie grew up on campus and attended John E. Brown College.

Years later, while living in Long Beach, California, Billie’s husband passed away suddenly leaving her with two young children to raise on her own. Her uncle, John E. Brown Sr., offered her a position managing the JBU cafeteria. In 1950, she moved back to Siloam Springs. From 1950 to 1978 Billie managed the JBU Cafeteria. At that time the cafeteria was in the basement of the California Dormitory and later moved to its present location. During those years Billie and her staff gained quite a reputation for the food they prepared. Alumni still remember the fried chicken and pecan pie served for Sunday dinner. She was also known for the fancy buffets that she prepared for special occasions on and off campus. Not only did she touch the lives of everyone she and her crew fed, but she had an impact on the students who worked in the cafeteria and dishroom. One former student wrote: “Billie gave me my first job, washing pots in the old California dorm cafeteria. I worked for her for over two years, and I can honestly say that I have been forever changed by the experience. She taught me about responsibility, about integrity, about being part of a team, and about having fun at work. She taught me that you can both love and fear a boss at the same time. She gave me confidence that I could please a tough supervisor (and we all knew that she was tough). I guess mostly, Billie taught me self-discipline. Without that, you don’t finish college, go to graduate school, or succeed in a career.”

Billie Holliday Endowed Scholarship

Type: Endowed

Donor: Anonymous

Established: 2007

Born November 7, 1918, Mr. Graham was reared on a dairy farm in Charlotte, North Carolina. In the fall of 1934, at age 16, Mr. Graham made a personal commitment to Christ through the ministry of Mordecai Ham, a traveling evangelist, who visited Charlotte for a series of revival meetings. Ordained in 1939 by a church in the Southern Baptist Convention, Mr. Graham received a solid foundation in the Scriptures at Florida Bible Institute (now Trinity College in Florida). In 1943 he graduated from Wheaton College in Illinois and married fellow student Ruth McCue Bell. After graduating from college, Mr. Graham pastored the First Baptist Church in Western Springs, Illinois, before joining Youth for Christ, an organization founded for ministry to youth and servicemen during World War II. He preached throughout the United States and in Europe in the immediate post war era, emerging as a rising young evangelist. Mr. Graham once said: "My one purpose in life is to help people find a personal relationship with God, which, I believe, comes through knowing Christ.” Billy Graham took Christ literally when He said in Mark 16:15, “Go ye into all the world and preach the Gospel to every creature.” Mr. Graham has preached the Gospel to more people in live audiences than anyone else in history—nearly 215 million people in more than 185 countries and territories—through various meetings, including Mission World and Global Mission. Hundreds of millions more have been reached through television, video, film, and webcasts.

Ruth Bell Graham was born in China. Her parents were medical missionaries at a small hospital compound 300 miles north of Shanghai. As a young girl in the compound, Ruth first sensed the great calling to abandon all for the sake of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. She spent her childhood on China’s mission field with her parents and siblings, surrounded by disease, despair, and the eventual disorder and chaos of civil wars. The suffering she observed only strengthened in her the conviction of people’s need for the Savior. Until her early adult years, she dreamed of serving as a single missionary in a far corner of the world—the mountainous nation of Tibet. In the fall of 1937, she enrolled at Wheaton College, outside Chicago, Illinois, and three years later was introduced to Billy Graham. Shortly after their graduation from Wheaton, the two were married in Montreat, NC, on August 13, 1943.

Billy Graham and Ruth Bell Graham Evangelism Endowed Scholarship

Bob and Vontella Sheridan Endowed Scholarship

Bobbie Laughlin Endowed Math Scholarship

Bobby and Wanda Jackson Endowed Scholarship

Boone-Scholton Endowed Scholarship

Boyce C. and Alice D. McQuay Endowed Scholarship

Bryant Family Endowed Scholarship

Carl McQuay Endowed Broadcasting Scholarship

Caroline Brown Endowed Scholarship

Carrie Sliger Endowed Scholarship

Charles A. Frueauff Foundation Endowed Scholarship

Charles and Arletta McCrary Endowed Scholarship

Charles and Susie Van Thiel, Sr. Elementary Education Endowed Scholarship

Charles and Suszanna Gehron Memorial Endowed Scholarship

Charles H. Stout Endowed Scholarship

Charles L. and Lona Whinrey Endowed Scholarship

Charles L. Wiley Memorial Endowed Scholarship

Charles Willis Endowed Scholarship

Charlotte Jobe Endowed Scholarship

Chong-Nock Lee Endowed Scholarship

Class of 1967 Endowed Scholarship

Class of 2009 Endowed Scholarship

Type: Endowed

Donor: Joe Zimmerman
Herb and Jane Zimmerman
Claude Zimmerman Jr.
Richard and Anne Ruble
Margaret Arnold

Established: 1995

Joe Zimmerman created the Claude R. and Blanche A. Zimmerman Memorial Endowed Piano Scholarship in memory of his parents. Claude and Blanche were married on August 14, 1919 after Claude’s return from U.S. military duty in France at the end of World War I. They settled in Byron, a small town in northwestern Oklahoma where Claude worked as a blacksmith, sharpening plow shears and discs used by farmers in the area to cultivate the soil for the production of crops such as wheat and alfalfa. Due to a meager income, the family had only bare necessities for living. The Great Depression was difficult for everyone, but it taught outstanding qualities. Unsophisticated, humble Christians who were faithful in church attendance, the Zimmermans were always willing to use some of their modest financial means to help those in need in their community as well as those spreading the gospel of Christ on the mission field.

Claude and Blanche had four sons, Claude Jr., Robert, Herbert, and Joe. Although Blanche had only a high school education and Claude terminated his education after eighth grade, they were very encouraging when three of their sons expressed interest in earning bachelor degrees. Claude Jr. obtained a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in Civil Engineering which enabled him early in his career to obtain a job at NASA where he worked until retirement. Robert had a 22-year career in the U.S. Air Force servicing aircraft. Herbert graduated from JBU with assistance from a GI Bill®. Joe graduated from JBU, with considerable help from a JBU academic scholarship. Years later, after Joe had earned a doctorate and was serving on the JBU faculty, Claude and Blanche gave financially to help a deserving music student.

The Zimmermans had a great sense of humor. Claude took great delight in telling jokes and relating humorous stories he had read in Reader’s Digest. Blanche had a hearty and infectious laugh. They not only had a profound influence on their sons, they also enriched all the lives they touched.

Claude R. and Blanche A. Zimmerman Memorial Endowed Piano Scholarship

Cliff Crowder Endowed Athletic Scholarship

Clifford and Dorothy Brooks Memorial Endowed Scholarship

Clinton H. and Jean Anne Fowler Memorial Endowed Music Scholarship

Col. Kenneth W. Patrum Endowed Scholarship

College of Business Endowed Scholarship

Culberson/Netherton Endowed Music Scholarship

Dale Davis Memorial Endowed Scholarship

Data Analytics and Computer Science Endowed Scholarship

David and Bernadine Teague Family Endowed Scholarship

David Scott Brooker Memorial Endowed Scholarship

DaySpring Cards Endowed Scholarship

Dayton E. McClain Endowed Ministerial Scholarship

Dennis Smith Memorial Endowed Scholarship

Derwood and Kathryn Blackwell Endowed Scholarship

Dick and Barbara McCartney Endowed Scholarship

Don and Sheroll Walker Endowed Scholarship

Donald D. and E. Jeanette Brown Endowed Scholarship

Dorothy F. Osburn Memorial Endowed Scholarship

Dorothy Jelley Leadership Endowed Scholarship

Type: Endowed

Donor: Alumni

Established: 1983

Dorothy Woodland was a pilgrim in life. From working on the World War II’s top-secret Manhattan Project to preparing many young students for the challenges of the field of science, Woodland challenged the norms of her day. Dorothy graduated with an undergraduate degree from the College of Wooster in Ohio and received her Doctor of Physical Chemistry degree at Ohio State University. She then launched into a life dedicated to teaching and spent the first 30 years of her career teaching at JBU from 1944- 1974. She served as a professor as well as Academic Dean and was heavily involved with many of the artistic productions on the JBU campus. She believed in her students and they knew it. Dorothy passed away in 1999.

Dr. Irvin A Wills is one of the dominant figures of JBU history. He was a professor of biology here from 1935-1974, and head of the Biology Department for about half those years. Wills’ educational background included a bachelor’s of science from Wheaton College, and master’s and doctorate degrees from the State University of Iowa. He was the sponsor of the Science Club for several decades, which made numerous field trips each year and hosted campus activities. Wills also served as Academic Dean from 1940-1955. In those days before computer registration, one student remembers that this involved writing out a note card for each student in each class, spreading them out all over a wall, and rearranging the cards until all needs were met and seats were filled! Wills was more than suited for these tasks. He had an incredibly sharp mind and consistently strove to learn more about this world. When he found items of interest in magazines or other reading materials, he would remove the article in question and place it in a scrapbook for future reference, or make illegible scribbles in one of his many notebooks. Students who worked with him marveled at how he could always direct them through his piled-up collections to the exact article he needed to reference. Irvin Wills died around 1983.

Dorothy Woodland and Irvin Wills Endowed Science Scholarship

Dr. Barrett R. and Susan L. Summers Engineering/Computer Science Endowed Scholarship

Dr. Barry Wingfield Endowed Scholarship

Dr. Carole Maines Graduate Counseling Endowed Scholarship

Dr. E. Barrie and H. Sue O’Bannon Art Endowed Scholarship

Dr. E. Barrie and H. Sue O’Bannon Nursing Endowed Scholarship

Dr. Edward C. Klotz III Memorial Endowed Scholarship

Dr. Gary Guinn Distinguished Professor Endowed Scholarship

Dr. Ida Adolphson Endowed Psychology Scholarship

Dr. James and Mrs. Karen Babcock Endowed Scholarship

Dr. James Walters Distinguished Professor Endowed Scholarship

Dr. Jesse L. and Edra V. Miller Endowed Scholarship

Type: Endowed

Donor: Dr. John and Joallen Moose

Established: 2008

Dr. John Moose, raised in Morrilton, Arkansas, obtained his Bachelor of Science degree in Pre-Med Chemistry from Hendrix College in Conway, Arkansas. He received a medical degree from the University of Arkansas Medical Center in Little Rock and interned at Baptist Hospital. Dr. Moose completed two years of military service at the Air Force base in Orlando, Florida. He then began practicing medicine in Siloam Springs in the fall of 1966 and continued until the fall of 1995. Afterwards, he practiced part-time in Prairie Grove at First Care Family Doctors Clinic until 2002. Dr. Moose, an active Rotarian, enjoyed raising flowers, collecting coins and stamps, and regular activities in the Gem and Mineral Society. He made medical/construction mission trips to Haiti, El Salvador and Mexico. He served as a trustee for John Brown University from 1985-1997, and was active in the Siloam Spring’s First United Methodist Church. He and his wife have one son, two daughters, and four grandchildren.

Joallen Logan Moose, raised in Alabama and Arkansas, graduated from Hendrix College in 1959 with a Bachelor of Arts in English and Elementary Education. A week later, she and John were married in Greene Chapel on the Hendrix campus. For the next few years she was a medical secretary and 6th grade teacher in Little Rock. After the Mooses had lived in Siloam Springs for many years, Joallen, after 7 years as a part-time student at JBU, received a degree in Biblical Studies in 1990. As a Bible teacher, she has taught many classes in her home, at church, and in the community. In the 1970’s she and several other women organized the Christian Women’s Luncheon which met at Dawn Hill and JBU, and ministered to women in Northwest Arkansas and Eastern Oklahoma. She served as a bloodmobile chairman for Red Cross and Community Blood Center for 17 years, volunteered as a Laubach tutor, Literacy Council board member, and in community service projects as a member of Coterie, Rotary Anns, and Civitan clubs. Ministry to women and children’s shelters, nursing homes and shut-ins is a focus – also musical activities in church choir and hand bells, and the Chorale of the Ozarks. In 2005, Mrs. Moose was honored at the local Chamber of Commerce banquet with the “Pioneer Citizen of the Year” award. Dr. Moose passed away in 2017.

The “Maranatha!” clock tower that stands in the middle of JBU’s campus was built in 2002 through a generous gift from Dr. John I. Moose and Joallen Logan Moose.

Dr. John I. and Joallen Logan Moose Endowed Scholarship

Dr. Larry Seward Memorial Endowed Scholarship

Dr. Lee Netherton Distinguished Professor Endowed Scholarship

Dr. Marc David Gilbert Memorial Endowed Scholarship

Dr. Marquita Smith Endowed Scholarship

Dr. Mary Anne Schwartz Andrews Memorial Endowed Music Scholarship

Dr. Nathan Willits Memorial Endowed Scholarship

Dr. Robert D. Little Endowed Scholarship

Dr. Robert W. and Kathryn Spivey Jackson Endowed Scholarship

Dr. Roger Iddings Endowed Education Scholarship

Type: Endowed

Donor: Anonymous

Established: 2005

This scholarship was created in honor of Dr. Shirley Forbes Thomas, Distinguished Professor of English at JBU. Dr. Thomas came to JBU as a professor of English in 1969. She served as Dean of Undergraduate Studies and Director of the Honors Scholars Program. In 1985 she was named the JBU Teacher of the Year. In 1998 she became the first recipient of JBU’s new Distinguished Professor Award. In addition to presenting and publishing in the scholarly world, she coached numerous students who presented papers and competed in scholarly writing contests. She nominated eleven students for regional, national, and international scholarship paper competitions. Of the eleven nominated, seven received first place awards, 1 second, and two honorable mentions.

Her post-graduate degrees were from the University of Arkansas where she was inducted into the Phi Beta Kappa National Honors Society. Her undergraduate degree was from the University of Central Arkansas where she received one of the first two honors degrees ever granted by the institution. Instrumental in founding the JBU Honors Scholars Program, Dr. Thomas served as director of the program from 1988 until she retired. She was active in the National Collegiate Honors Council (NCHC), served on the Semesters Committee and helped design NCHC semesters in the Czech Republic, Greece, Spain, and numerous US locations. She also helped design and facilitate NCHC honors faculty institutes both abroad and in the US. She also served on the National Executive Board of NCHC. Under her leadership, JBU’s chapter of Alpha Chi National Academic Honor Society was awarded “Star Chapter” status and was one of four nominees for top chapter in the nation.

Dr. Thomas was married to Lloyd Thomas and was the mother of nine children. She and her husband were co-founders of Washington County’s APACT (Adoptive Parents and Children Together). With the exception of one semester, all of her college and professional education were attained after she had children. Dr. Thomas officially retired in 2002 from JBU, although she continued to write grants for the University until 2008. Dr. Thomas passed away in 2020.

Dr. Shirley Forbes Thomas Distinguished Professor Endowed Scholarship

Earl and Marcia VerHoeven Memorial Endowed Scholarship

Edna Mae Ford Carson Endowed Scholarship

Eldridge Family Endowed Scholarship

Elizabeth B. Hudson Endowed Scholarship

Engineering Excellence Endowed Scholarship

Engineering Hands Endowed Scholarship

Engineering Opportunity Endowed Scholarship

Ephesians 2:10 Endowed Scholarship

Ericson Family Endowed Scholarship

Erin Webb Memorial Endowed Scholarship

Ernest R. and Doris Bingham Greenwood Endowed Scholarship

Esther M. Mattox Endowed Scholarship

Esther Wingo Memorial Endowed Scholarship

Euell and Martha Lowman Endowed Scholarship

Faith Leissner Leadership Endowed Scholarship

Family Studies Endowed Scholarship

Forrest E. and Grace E. Ryder Endowed Scholarship

Francene Davis Sharp Endowed Health Promotion and Human Performance Scholarship for Women

Frances and James Crawford Endowed Scholarship

Frank and Ardith Endres Endowed Scholarship

Type: Endowed

Donor: Alumni

Established: 1980

Born in Maryville, Missouri, in 1912, Fred moved with his family to Siloam Springs, Arkansas, when he was just six months old. At the height of the depression in 1933, Fred began his studies at John Brown University, having watched the institution mature through his teenage years. When he graduated with a science degree in 1937, Fred stayed for one year to teach. With support from JBU, he then went to Texas A & M to pursue a mechanical engineering degree. While in Texas, Fred met Laverne and they were married during the Christmas season of 1941, just after Fred finished his degree. They immediately went to a war-time assignment with the Wright Aeronautical Company in Cincinnati, Ohio. Fred was intimately involved in the production engineering of the Liberty engine which was famous for its reliability and for its service as prime mover of the P-38. While the Olneys were in Ohio, their first son, Fred Paul, was born.

In the summer of 1945, as the war effort was ending, the Olneys stopped at JBU on their way back to Texas. Anticipating a great influx of students from returning armed forces personnel, Dean Irwin Wills made Fred an offer to stay and teach. He stayed, holding the position until his retirement in 1978. Fred earned a master’s degree in mechanical engineering at the University of Arkansas in 1958, thus encouraging JBU’s faculty to pursue advanced degrees in engineering. He was the chairman of the engineering division from 1961 through 1976. The Olneys’ other two children were born in Siloam Springs, Robert in 1946 and Rosanne in 1949. All three children graduated from JBU.

Over his long tenure at JBU, Fred added several other credentials to his teaching portfolio. In 1951, Fred became a Professional Engineer and founded Siloam Engineering Services. Fred became a Registered Land Surveyor in 1965 and for many years ran a successful surveying business employing many student assistants. He was the first head of the engineering division at John Brown University and assisted the division as it made the transition in the early 1960s from technology to a modern engineering emphasis. He served the University for 33 years. After retirement, Fred revived his business and fulfilled many surveying needs in the area, especially for the city of Siloam Springs. Fred passed away in 1979.

Fred Olney Endowed Engineering Scholarship

Fred W. Harper Endowed Scholarship

Frei Family Endowed Scholarship

Friendship Fund Endowed Scholarship

Gary and Carrie Oliver Endowed Scholarship

Gary and Kathy Bunnel Allen Endowed Scholarship

Gaston Griggs Endowed Science Scholarship

George and Marie Hurte Endowed Scholarship

Gloria Gale Memorial Endowed Scholarship

Grace (2 Cor. 9:8) Endowed Scholarship

Grace Youmans Davis Endowed Education Scholarship

Graduate Business Biblical Diversity Scholarship

Grover Cleveland and Ida Mae Tinnin Endowed Scholarship

Guy W. Ward Memorial Endowed Scholarship

H. Ezelle Thomas Hensley Memorial Endowed Scholarship

H.E.S. Inc. Endowed Scholarship

Halla Family Endowed Scholarship

Harold A. and Mary E. Nicholas Memorial Endowed Scholarship

Harold C. and Mildred B. Ward Endowed Engineering Scholarship

Haspels Missionary Endowed Scholarship

Haven and Eden Piston Memorial Endowed Scholarship

Haynes Family Endowed Scholarship

Heather Benner Memorial Endowed Scholarship

Helen and Tom Beers Nursing Endowed Scholarship

Helen M. Clough Endowed Scholarship

Herring Missionary Endowed Scholarship

HFF Endowed Art Scholarship

HFF Endowed Scholarship

Hirtle Callaghan Endowed Scholarship

Howard Clay and Faye Clay Phillips Endowed Scholarship

Hub White Memorial Endowed Scholarship

I Samuel 7:7-12 Ebenezer Stone of Help Endowed Scholarship

J. Alvin and Mabel Brown Memorial Endowed Scholarship

J. L. and Margaret W. Allhands Endowed Scholarship

Jack and Frances Byrd Leadership Endowed Scholarship

Jake Woods Family Endowed Scholarship

Type: Endowed

Donor: James and Marilyn Barnett

Established: 2016

James and Marilyn Barnett created this scholarship to support Business and Education majors who have a head for business and a heart for ministry. Mr. Barnett serves as president of DaySpring Cards, Inc., a subsidiary of Hallmark headquartered in Siloam Springs, AR, and the world’s largest Christian social expression company which annually distributes more than 200 million products in the United States and 60 countries worldwide. James joined the company in 1981 and has served as president since 1994.

A native of Northwest Arkansas, Barnett obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in business in 1980 from John Brown University, Siloam Springs, and an MBA from the Walton School of Business at the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, in 1982. He has been very involved in community and area organizations for more than 35 years, serving on several athletic, charitable and scholastic boards. He is currently on the Walton School of Business Advisory Board and engaged with the CEO Forum. He also has served on boards with the Arkansas Economic Development Commission, Urban Ministries, the Winshape Marriage and Family Foundation, the Soderquist Center for Leadership and Ethics at John Brown University, and Arkansas Athletes Outreach. His business affiliations include membership in the Association for Christian Retail, the Greeting Card Association, and the local Chamber of Commerce.

He and his wife Marilyn have three grown children and five grandchildren and are active members of Fellowship Bible Church in Fayetteville, Arkansas. James enjoys golfing, fishing, traveling and, especially, the time spent with his children, grandchildren and extended family.

Marilyn graduated from JBU in 1981 with an Elementary Education degree. Following graduation, she taught fifth grade for a few years before transitioning to a full-time stay-at-home mother to their three children. In addition to her “mom” duties, she was very active in her community and church, serving in various capacities over the years. She currently spends time in activities with their grandchildren and in caregiving to extended family members. Her interests include reading, decorating, and spending quality time with her children and grandchildren.

James and Marilyn Barnett Endowed Scholarship

James C. Hoialmen Endowed Scholarship

James David and Violet McVay Memorial Endowed Scholarship

James Edwin and Bernice O. Hutton Endowed Scholarship

Jared Redyke Construction Management Endowed Scholarship

Jean and Richard Medlock Endowed Scholarship

Jeanne and Elbert Hubbard Endowed Scholarship

Jed and Rachel Harris Endowed Scholarship

Jeff Scholtens Memorial Endowed Scholarship

Jerome Elward and Grace Klopfenstein Brown Endowed Scholarship

Jesse and Carol Miller Memorial Endowed Scholarship

Jewell Taylor Littlejohn Harrison Memorial Endowed Scholarship

Jim and Marilyn Holliday Endowed Scholarship

Jimmy Whitaker Leadership Endowed Scholarship

Joan B. Naramore Memorial Endowed Scholarship

Type: Endowed

Donor: Dr. Beverly Holcomb

Established: 2006

The Joe and Elva Holcomb Memorial Endowed Scholarship was created in honor and memory of Joe and Elva Holcomb. The Holcombs raised five children in Northwest Arkansas during the Great Depression. Consequently, they were unable to provide the financial support for their children to attend college. However, they encouraged their children to pursue higher education by emphasizing college as being a very important achievement that would aid in their future successes. The middle child, Beverly Holcomb, decided to attend John Brown University in Siloam Springs, AR. She was able to enroll at JBU because of her High School Valedictorian Scholarship along with the income she earned from working on campus for 30 hours a week in the work-study program. She later received the JBU Department of Bible Academic Scholarship. This scholarship along with the financial assistance awarded from the work-study program provided for her senior year. During her college breaks, she taught in a rural one-room school for all 8 grades to save money for college expenses.

Upon graduation, she earned 20 graduate hours at the Summer Institute of Linguistics and was accepted as a member of Wycliffe Bible Translators. This ministry allowed Beverly to serve in Peru as a descriptive linguist with the Okaina Indians and as the Assistant Director of the Peruvian Bilingual Jungle Indian Schools. During her furloughs she was able to achieve a M.Ed. at the University of Arkansas and an M.A. in descriptive anthropology from Brandeis University in Waltham, Massachusetts.

After her time with Wycliffe ended in 1968, she spent 6 years as the Specialist in Aging with the University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service and was also able to complete the requirements for the D.Ed. from the University of Arkansas. From 1976 until she retired in 1995, Beverly served as Executive Director of Florence Crittenton Home Services, Inc. This charity provided comprehensive residential services for girls who were pregnant out of wedlock and who had decided to give birth. She incorporated into the program the JBU education emphasis on Head, Heart, and Hand. Throughout her years she found to be true the counsel of Dr. Earl C. Smith, JBU Dean of Bible, “Know what the Lord would have you do and expect Him to provide the way.” Beverly passed away November, 2008.

Joe and Elva Holcomb Memorial Endowed Scholarship

Joe M. Zimmerman Memorial Endowed Piano Scholarship

Joe R. and Tarver Smith Endowment Fund for Work Scholarships

Joe Young Memorial Endowed Scholarship

John & Mary Sue Bedenbender Endowed Engineering Scholarship

John A. and Gladys Bogan Storm Memorial Endowed Scholarship

John A. Graves Endowed Scholarship

John A. Knoner Endowed Scholarship

John and Frieda Hornok Endowed Scholarship

John and Judy McCullough Endowed Business Scholarship

Type: Endowed

Donor:

Family of John and Stephania Brown

Established: 2019

The John and Stephania Brown Endowed Scholarship was established by their children in honor and appreciation of their parents’ legacy at John Brown University, in the community and for their strong commitment to family.

John and Stephania were high school sweethearts. Stephania is the daughter of former Siloam Springs mayor, Wilson and Mary Kathryn “Toady” Ford. John is the second born and only son of John E. Brown, Jr. and Caroline Trahin Brown. John and Stephania married on Christmas day in 1968. John graduated from JBU in 1971 with a B.S. in Business Administration and then received a J.D. from the University of Arkansas School of Law in 1974. John followed his grandfather and father, serving as President of John Brown University from 1979 to 1993. His leadership and servanthood continued as Executive Director of the Windgate Foundation starting in 1993. John was also elected to the Arkansas State Senate, serving two terms as a servant to the public from 1995-2002. Stephania served alongside John at JBU while raising five children. She hosted JBU guests and volunteered at church and in the community, all while earning her B.S. in Education from JBU in 1992. Stephania taught in the Siloam Springs school district for a few years and served on the Northwest Arkansas Children’s Shelter Board from 1995-2008. John and Stephania remain in Siloam Springs still serving the community in a myriad of ways. John is currently Senior Advisor to the Windgate Foundation and Stephania devotes her time and resources to volunteering with non-profits that are focused on helping children and the underprivileged. In her spare time, she enjoys working in her beautiful gardens around their home. John and Stephania enjoy spending time with their children and grandchildren.

John and Stephania Brown Endowed Scholarship

John E. Brown III Endowed Scholarship

John E. Brown Jr. Golden Eagle Endowed Scholarship

John E. Brown Jr. Memorial Endowed Scholarship

John H. Panage Endowed English Scholarship

John Herklotz Endowed Communication Scholarship

John Poe and Marjorie S. Hensley Memorial Endowed Scholarship

John V. Carmack Graduate Counseling Scholarship

John V. Terry Endowed Scholarship

Johnny Nantz Memorial Endowed Scholarship

Joseph W. and Frances Baker Langley Endowed Scholarship

June and Robert J. Loyd Endowed Scholarship

Keith and Denise Holmberg Endowed Scholarship

Keith and Miriam Feaster Family Endowed Scholarship

Ken and Evelyn Miller Endowed Scholarship

Ken and Jan Winebrenner Endowed Scholarship

Ken Schoenwald Memorial Endowed Scholarship

Kenneth C. Naramore Memorial Endowed Scholarship

Kenneth Dale Endowed Scholarship

Kent Davis Endowed Scholarship

Kent Vernon Williamson Memorial Endowed Scholarship

Kevin M. Couch Memorial Endowed Chemistry Scholarship

Kim and Terri Eldridge Endowed Scholarship

King Enterprise Group Endowed Scholarship

Kinsman Family Endowed Scholarship for Engineering Students

Kitchen Family Endowed Scholarship

Lankford Romans 8:28 Endowed Scholarship

Larry Kreider Endowed Scholarship

Larry Meyer (Eugene Moore) Endowed Scholarship

Leland and Ireane Stratton Endowed Scholarship

Leo and Sona Setian Endowed Scholarship

Leonard Family Eagle’s Nest Endowed Scholarship

Letitia M. and Melanie C. Simpson Endowed Scholarship for Minorities and Women

LeVan Family Endowed Scholarship

Lewellen Ultimate Frisbee Endowed Scholarship

Linda Craighead Bryant Memorial Endowed Scholarship

Lloyd and Susan McCullough Endowed Scholarship

Lola Maddux Woodard Memorial Endowed Scholarship

Lou B. Hancock Maddux Memorial Endowed Scholarship

Luke Ross Legacy CM Endowed Scholarship

Lydia M. Ramsey Memorial Endowed Scholarship

Lynda Springfield Walters and Dr. James Walters Endowed Music Scholarship

Malliet-Roberts Endowed Accounting Scholarship

Marion E. and Roy F. Blackmon Endowed Scholarship

Marion F. Snider Endowed Scholarship

Marlin M. and Sally A. Gordon Brallier Endowed Scholarship

Martyn Family Endowed Business Scholarship

Martyn Family Endowed M.K. Scholarship

Martz Media Endowed Scholarship

Matthew 6:21 Endowed Scholarship

Matthew D. Oliver and Marsha L. Oliver Memorial Endowed Scholarship

Matthew Petelski Memorial Endowed Scholarship

Mauldin Family Endowed Scholarship

Maurice and Katharine Brunache Endowed Scholarship

Maurice and Mary Rankin Endowed Scholarship

Mendy Nantz Sedlmeier Memorial Endowed Scholarship

Merwin A. and Verne K. Wilder Endowed Scholarship

Micah 6:8 Endowed Scholarship

Michael and Gail Kairis Endowed Construction and Education Scholarship

Mike and Helen Milam Endowed Scholarship

Mildred Martin Patterson Endowed Scholarship for Music Students

Milton and Leila Levy Endowed Scholarship

Minnich Memorial Endowed Scholarship

Missionary Children’s Endowed Scholarship

Mitchael Family Construction Management Endowed Scholarship

MK Jungle Endowed Scholarship

Mollie Davis Peden Family Memorial Endowed Scholarship

Mr. and Mrs. L. H. Heinlein Memorial Endowed Scholarship

Mr. and Mrs. Virgil Badalich Endowed Scholarship

Type: Endowed

Donor: Robert and Martha Munce

Established: 2006

Through the great love, perseverance, and personal interest of the JBU staff, teachers, and the generosity of many donors, Martha Ettinger worked her way through four years of college. She graduated from John Brown University in 1963. Previously, while in high school, Martha dedicated herself to foreign missions. She was later introduced to Africa Inland Mission (AIM International) through a missionary kid at JBU. After teaching school in her hometown of St. Louis for two years, she enrolled at Moody Bible Institute for a year of further Bible study. In October 1966, she relocated to Kenya where she was assigned and accepted a position in Kesho’s literature department.

In 1972, Martha married Bob Munce. They distributed Christian literature from Kenya through eight or ten Christian bookstores throughout East Africa. They understood that their calling was not just to a place or a career, but to God, through going or giving towards missions. They returned to the United States in 1978 after serving in Africa for 20 years collectively. Once in the U.S., Bob established Munce Publications. He sold books and Bibles to English speaking countries, as well as becoming an agent for his grandmother’s (Grace Livingston Hill) book copyrights. Bob continued traveling to third world countries selling Christian books once a year. In 1991, Munce Marketing group was created to create catalogs of Christian products for American bookstores. This business progressed to provide Christian bookstores with marketing tools, a trade show, and other services. From 22 initial stores, the company grew to over 600 stores in the U.S. and Canada that now use the catalogs and other services. In September 2005, the on-line magazine “MTL” (More to Life) for Christian women was launched. It focuses on Christian authors, musicians, and other media personalities.

Munce Endowed Scholarship

Mustard Seed Endowed Scholarship

Nadine Gould Endowed Scholarship

Nancy Craighead VerHoeven Memorial Endowed Scholarship

Type: Endowed

Donor: Lee and Nancy Netherton
Roger and Eileen Culberson
Doris Culberson

Established: 2002

This scholarship was created by Doris Culberson, Dr. Lee Netherton’s mother-in-law. Doris Culberson wrote: "John Brown University has been very important to our family throughout the years. We have had six family members receive degrees from JBU. My son-in-law, Lee Netherton, has spent most of his career teaching in the science department and my daughter, Nancy Netherton, has spent most of her career being involved in the music department. We are glad that God has given us the opportunity to give back to the Lord's work."

Dr. Netherton began his service at JBU in 1969, completing his Ph.D. in organic chemistry in 1977 from the University of Arkansas. He was Chair of the Division of Natural Science from 1986 to 1997. Dr. Netherton was selected as the JBU Teacher of the Year in 1980 and 1994, the JBU Outstanding Alumnus in 1990 and was awarded the Faculty Excellence Award in 2005. He was consistently evaluated by the students as one of the top teachers at JBU. Dr. Netherton taught in the K-4 Science Crusade for the Arkansas State Department of Higher Education for six years and presented numerous science workshops in the elementary schools throughout this area. He served on many faculty committees in his 36 years at JBU, including the Core Curriculum Committee, the Professional Development Schools Advisory Committee, and the Admissions-Financial Aid Committee. He was a sponsor of the Student Government Association for several years and volunteered as score keeper at the Golden Eagle basketball games most of his 36 years at JBU.

Lee and his wife Nancy have two children, Renee and Rob. The Nethertons were married for over 50 years. Lee passed away in 2019.

Netherton/Culberson Endowed Science Scholarship

Neufeld Endowed Scholarship

Norma McQueen Memorial Endowed Art Scholarship

Norma Zuniga Endowed Scholarship

Norris C. Taylor Memorial Endowed Scholarship

Type: Endowed

Donor: Sarah Williams

Established: 2005

This scholarship was created to honor the memory and accomplishments of two dedicated musicians who loved the Lord and used the gift of music to spread the message of the Gospel. Dr. Mabel Oiesen, Sarah Williams’ aunt, accepted the invitation by Dr. John Brown Sr. to come to John Brown University from New York City to create a music department because she shared Dr. Brown’s dream for a Christ-centered university. Though the struggles were almost overwhelming, with God’s guidance and her tenacity, a formidable department was created from which many music majors studied and afterwards began lifetime music careers. As the music department grew, the Cathedral Choir was formed. While serving as its conductor, Mabel traveled with the choir extensively across the United States participating in worship services, radio and television programs. A MIGHTY FORTRESS IS OUR GOD became the signature anthem closing every appearance the choir made.

James L. Williams, Sarah Williams’ late husband, came to JBU to study voice and prepare for full-time music ministry. Sarah studied piano and organ. Both dedicated themselves to full- time ministry and, upon graduation, they formed a music ministry team. Together they served several large churches creating integrated choir programs with Christian education curriculum written by James. He was an engaging man with many talents and skills: professional baritone soloist, choral conductor and clinician, college professor, visionary and developer of large youth choirs, which were on several occasions invited to tour churches in Europe. At the time of his death, it was most apparent that his greatest legacy was the winning of souls through his ministry.

Sarah Williams’ career was also a witness of the power of the Lord and the training at JBU. In addition to being a mother of three, an organist, and piano teacher, she has had the great privilege of teaching at Wheaton College in the conservatory of music and becoming its director of the Community School of the Arts. During that time, one program was created between Wheaton College’s music education students and Daystar University students to serve school children in the slums of Nairobi, Kenya. Sarah Williams’ prayer is that this scholarship will underline the power of music and how God can use humble servants to bring honor and glory to Him.

Oiesen-Williams Endowed Scholarship

Pat and Bill Johnson Endowed Scholarship

Paul and Jacqueline Cauwels Endowed Scholarship

Paul and Kathy Zheng Endowed Scholarship

Paul and Linda Thomas Galyean Endowed Scholarship

Paul and Lois Kimball Endowed Scholarship

Paul Wagner Memorial Endowed Scholarship

Paulsen Family Endowed Scholarship

Peter and Maryam Kubasek Endowed Scholarship

Peter and Yvonne Nicolay Endowed Scholarship

Philippians 4:6-7 Endowed Scholarship

Praise and Glory Endowed Scholarship

Preach the Word Endowed Scholarship

Proverbs 16:16 Wisdom and Insight Endowed Scholarship

Proverbs 3:5-6 Endowed Scholarship

Psalm 16:11 Endowed Scholarship

Psalm 91:4 Endowed Scholarship

Ralph and Elizabeth T. Rodgers Endowed Scholarship

Ralph and Elsie Mathia Memorial Endowed Scholarship

Ralph and Lucy Kennedy Legacy Endowed Scholarship

Ralph M. Monts Endowed Scholarship

Randy L. Wolf Endowed Scholarship

Regina Walker and Bob Walker Endowed Scholarship

Rev. Denton R. Woods Endowed Scholarship

Rev. Wilson W. Boggan and Mrs. Jesse Mae Gates Boggan Memorial Endowed Scholarship

Type: Endowed

Donor: Patsy Kern

Established: 2012

Robert Kern was born and raised in McCune, a small town in the southeast part of Kansas. He attended a one-room elementary school and graduated from McCune High School in 1955. As a young man, Robert worked for a time in California as a heavy equipment operator. Returning to Kansas, he worked on the construction of numerous Kansas and Missouri highways and the Toronto Reservoir. Mr. Kern later began his own successful construction company from which he retired in 2006. He was also active in real estate, owning Kern Rentals for 25 years. He married Patsy R. Gregory Klinger in 1979. They made their home in Frontenac, Kansas. Patsy was born in Prairie Grove, Arkansas. She grew up in Siloam Springs, where she attended first grade in a one-room school, later transferring to Siloam Springs Elementary School. She graduated from Siloam Springs High School in 1957 and John Brown University in 1960, with a degree in Education. While at JBU, work scholarships helped to provide for college expenses. She earned a M.Ed. from the University of Arkansas in 1966. Patsy did additional studying at Pittsburg State University, where she received Library Media certification. Patsy taught in several Arkansas schools: Armorel, Siloam Springs, Gentry, and Conway, before moving to Kansas, where she met and married Robert E. Kern. She taught in Frontenac and Pittsburg, Kansas Schools until her retirement in 1993 after 33 years of teaching and librarianship. During her career, Mrs. Kern was an active member of several local, state and national education organizations, serving as President of the Pittsburg Education Association in 1978. She also assisted her husband in his businesses.

In their spare time, the Kerns enjoyed traveling, much of the time by motorcycle, and gardening. Robert did not attend college, but had a high regard for education and John Brown University. Patsy was very proud to join her husband in creating this scholarship for students in the education field at her alma mater, JBU. “It is very doubtful that I would have been able to obtain a college degree if not for the work scholarships available.” Robert passed away in 2012.

Robert E. and Patsy R. Kern Teacher Education Endowed Scholarship

Robert Glenn Rapp Endowed Scholarship

Robert L. and Helen Skov Endowed Scholarship

Robinson Family Endowed Scholarship

Type: Endowed

Donor:

Jan Cross

Established: 2018

Roger grew up in Cheyenne, Wyoming, and became a Christian in high school while attending a Youth for Christ camp held at John Brown University.

He graduated from John Brown University in January 1966. He married Jan Unruh (Cross), also a JBU graduate, on May 27, 1966, and they moved to Kansas City where he joined the Kansas City Youth for Christ staff. That began his life’s work for 38 ½ years in Youth for Christ (YFC). His heart was always to serve others individually, as well as organizationally.

He served as Executive Director of Ventura County Youth for Christ in California for 15 years and then Denver Youth for Christ for 8 ½ years, followed by serving as National President of YFC for 13 ½ years. He retired in June of 2004. After he retired from YFC he became COO of Jan’s business, Children’s Music Academy (CMA), focusing on growing and servicing the franchises.

In addition to his work in YFC and CMA, Roger was involved in teaching, preaching and serving on the boards of several organizations. What he enjoyed most was serving on the trustee board of JBU. He believed in, whole-heartedly supported, and consistently advocated for John Brown University and its students!

Those who knew Roger best will remember his laughter, his zest for political debate, his deep love for young leaders in our Christian faith, and his curiosity to continue to grow and learn. He was humble to his final days; and when many recounted the influence Roger had on their lives he was stunned at the work God had done through him.

Having just moments with Roger one would know that he had spent his life in the presence of our Lord and in His Word. It is out of this passion, this abundant life and power to influence others, that this scholarship aims to bless other young influencers for Christ.

Roger Cross Endowed Scholarship

Roger F. and Annie Lee Cox Memorial Endowed Science Scholarship

Roger Flanagan Endowed Scholarship

Romans 10:15 Missionary Endowed Scholarship

Ross and Fran Stout Endowed Scholarship for Nursing

Rudolph & Dorothy Primuth Memorial Endowed Scholarship

Ruth Wagner Beal Endowed Scholarship

S EJohnson Endowed Scholarship

Sadie and Ora John Taylor Memorial Endowed Scholarship

Samuel M. and Mary Jane Reed Endowed Scholarship

Schmieding Foundation Endowed Scholarship for Nursing Students

Scofield Memorial Endowed Scholarship

Sherry Lyn Embrey Memorial Endowed Scholarship

Shirley Forbes Thomas Endowed Honors Scholarship

Simmons Endowed Scholarship

Type: Endowed

Donor: Soderquist Family Foundation

Established: 2006

The Soderquist Family Foundation created this scholarship in honor of Don and Jo Soderquist and their commitment to worldwide missions as well as to John Brown University.

In 1980, Don Soderquist joined Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. as Executive Vice President and served in several other executive positions until his appointment in early 1988 to Vice Chairman and Chief Operating Officer. In January 1999, he was promoted to Senior Vice Chairman of the corporation. Prior to his joining Wal-Mart, Don served sixteen years with Ben Franklin, including six years as President and Chief Executive Officer. Don was a driving force behind Wal-Mart’s rise to greatness as it became the largest company in the world. Known as the “Keeper of the Culture” after Sam Walton passed away, Don firmly believed that business ethics were not a luxury, but an essential element in creating a high-performance organization; he also knew that the responsibility for creating an ethical organization belonged to its senior leaders.

Don received his Bachelor of Arts degree in 1955 in Business Administration from Wheaton College in Wheaton, Illinois. He was awarded Honorary Doctors Degrees from Southwest Baptist University in Bolivar, Missouri, from John Brown University in Siloam Springs, Arkansas, and from Judson College in Elgin, Illinois. In 1990, he received the Outstanding Business Leader Award from the Northwood Institute in Palm Beach, Florida, and in 1996 was inducted into the Retailing Hall of Fame.

Don Soderquist served on the Board of Directors & Trustees of ARVEST Bank and Cinemark in Dallas, and has served on the Board of John Brown University, where he was a past chairman. In addition to Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., he served on the board of ServiceMaster, Inc., Salvation Army, NWA Community Foundation, and served on and was a past chairman of the boards of the International Mass Retail Association, the Children’s Miracle Network and Steward’s Ministries. In 1998, John Brown University created the The Soderquist Center for Leadership and Ethics (SCLE) in his honor. Don passed away in 2016 and Jo in 2017.

Soderquist Family Foundation Endowed Scholarship

Soderquist Family Graduate Business Endowed Scholarship

Soderquist Family Need Based Endowed Scholarship

Soderquist Family Undergraduate Business Endowed Scholarship

Son Light See Heir Service Endowed Scholarship

Sparrow Endowed Scholarship

Type: Endowed

Donor: Springfield family

Established: 1984

This scholarship was created in memory of Dr. Stewart Springfield Sr. After graduating from John Brown Junior College in 1931, Stewart continued his studies at the University of Arkansas and received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration. Stewart joined the JBU staff in 1933 and served in various capacities including instructor in Business Administration, Registrar, Business Manager and Vice-President. Stewart was a very close friend and advisor to John Brown Jr. He was also a “firm” business manager who was nicknamed “the bear.” Dr. Springfield retired from JBU in 1975, but he remained active in the Siloam Springs community. Some of his community roles included: Board of Directors of Benton County Savings and Loan Association, Rotary club, Board of Trustees of the Methodist Church, and President of the Chamber of Commerce.

In 1971, Dr. Springfield was awarded the honorary degree of Doctor of Laws by Azusa Pacific College in Glendora, California. He and his wife, Maurine, had three children: Lanita Wright, M.D., Lynda Walters, and Stewart, Jr. All three graduated from JBU. Stewart passed away in 1984. His life was marked by giving, faithfulness, spiritual concern for others, trust and love.

Stewart T. Springfield Jr. served as executive director of the Walton Family Foundation and as the secretary of the Walton Family Charitable Support Foundation. He was instrumental in assisting many JBU students through the foundation’s Walton International Scholarship Program, an initiative that annually supports 60 students from Central America. He also contributed to JBU throughout his professional career as senior vice president of First Arvest Bank in Siloam Springs, and later as executive director of the Walton Family Foundation.

Springfield Family Endowed Scholarship

Stella Lunn Memorial Endowed Scholarship

Steve Beers Rugby Endowed Scholarship

Type: Endowed

Donor: Storm and Jane Whaley
Estate of J.E. Bishop
Estate of Dorothy Brown
Estate of Marjorie Rynders

Established: 2009

This scholarship was created in honor of Storm and Jane Whaley who enjoyed a long history with JBU. They have three daughters, Carroll Jean, Ann Marie and Rebecca Glenn. Jane (Bucy) Whaley was born in Roswell, New Mexico, and grew up in Muleshoe, Texas. She graduated from JBU. Jane and Storm met while working in the College Bank and Savings Corporation, a unit at JBU which provided the only bank service in Siloam Springs during a time of widespread bank failures. In addition to raising her family, Jane worked with the Girl Scouts in Northwest Arkansas and in Little Rock. She helped raise her grandchildren, and also began a career at Chevy Chase Bank in Bethesda, Maryland. She worked at Chevy Chase Bank for 30 years, retiring when she was 88 years old. Jane was honored as the Mature Worker of the Year in Montgomery County, Maryland, in 2000.

Storm was born in Sulphur Springs, Arkansas and graduated from JBU in 1935 with a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics. He sang in the “Ozarkians,” a male quartet that performed with John Brown and on radio broadcasts. Storm became the manager of the radio station KUOA when JBU purchased it from the University of Arkansas. He was also the general manager of the JBU radio stations in Long Beach, California and Tulsa, Oklahoma. He worked for the University of Arkansas, as assistant to the president and, in 1959, acted as interim president of the University of Arkansas. From 1960-1970, he was Vice-president for Health Sciences at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in Little Rock. During that time, he served as a delegate to the World Health Organization and as a member of the National Advisory Health Council. JBU awarded Storm Whaley the “Christ Over All” Alumni Award in 2001. Storm’s many accomplishments include broadcaster, reporter, speaker, mathematician, singer and songwriter, watercolor artist, speech writer, pilot, flight school instructor, and academic and medical administrator. Storm passed away in 2011 and Jane passed away in 2014.

Storm and Jane Bucy Whaley Endowed Scholarship

T. Myron Webb and Celia Webb Endowed Scholarship

Teague-Twitchel Education Legacy Endowed Scholarship

Terri D. Arndt Memorial Endowed Scholarship

Thomas and Ida Melcher Carson Endowed Scholarship

Thomas F. and Frances M. James Endowed Business Scholarship

Thomas F. and Frances M. James Endowed Missionary Children Scholarship

Timboe Family Endowed Scholarship

Todd Pollan Memorial Endowed Scholarship

Vera and Spencer F. Bartlett Memorial Endowed Scholarship

W. B. Terry Endowed Business Scholarship

W. S. Atherton and Pat M. Murphy Pizza Hut Endowed Scholarship

Walker Foundation Endowed Scholarship for Biblical Studies

Type: Endowed

Donor: Don and Cynthia Siemens

Established: 2011

In honor of Walt and Margaret Siemens, Don and Cindi Siemens created this endowed scholarship to assist deserving JBU athletes and missionary kids. After serving the military in World War II, Walt graduated from JBU in 1949 with a degree in Biblical Studies. He was selected as the outstanding JBU athlete for both 1947 and 1948. After serving most of his working life as a public school administrator, Walt served 17 years as a JBU professor and administrator. Margaret Walton Siemens Weathers graduated from JBU summa cum laude in 1947 with a degree in Music. After a short stint as a JBU teacher, Margaret embraced the role of homemaker, investing in the lives of their nine children. All nine of the Siemens’ children graduated from JBU: Don (1972), Walta Hattaway (1972), Rosanne Redditt (1975), Dan (1977), Lyn Spencer (1979), Doug (1980), David (1984), Jan Kimball (1986), and Dwight (1988). Walt and Margaret supported JBU Athletics and have been faithful in financially supporting several JBU graduates who serve/served as missionaries.

A two-time member of the JBU Sports Hall of Fame, Don, and his wife, Cindi, believe in the value of a robust athletic department at JBU. After a career of teaching and coaching in public high schools and 28 years as a JBU professor in Education and Mathematics, Don has seen the struggles that athletes face in balancing athletics and academics. Once an athlete’s eligibility and scholarship support is over, it becomes difficult for him/her to afford the last semester or two in order to finish his/her degree at JBU. It took Don five-and-one-half years to complete his undergraduate degree in engineering.

For the 1993-1994 academic year, Don and Cindi used their sabbatical from JBU to move their family to Manila, Philippines, where they worked at Faith Academy, the world’s largest missionary kids’ school. Since that time, over 40 students from Faith Academy have attended JBU. In forging friendships with these students and their parents, Don and Cindi have become keenly aware of the financial needs of MKs who are trying to complete a JBU degree. Don passed away in 2019.

Walt and Margaret Siemens Endowed Scholarship

Type: Endowed

Donor: Estate of Walter Joshua Smith

Established: 1981

Walter Joshua Smith was born on October 30, 1900 in Keith, Texas, the youngest of eight surviving children of Christopher Columbus Smith and Frances Texana Smith. The family lived on a 100-acre farm near the Navasota River until 1905, when they moved to Liberty County, Texas. The father died in 1906, when Walter was 5 years of age. In 1917 at age 16, Walter began working with the railroad in Sour Lake, TX. This was the beginning of a life-long fascination with and love for trains, railroads and locomotives. By 1919 or 1920, Walter decided to return to school. He moved to Arkansas to attend John Brown College in Siloam Springs. Since he was mechanically-inclined, he did repair work on automobiles and other odd jobs to pay his way through college. After finishing high school work and one year of advanced studies at John Brown College, Walter returned to Texas for a visit with his family in Beaumont. While there, he suffered a severe case of typhoid fever and never returned to John Brown College. About 1926 or 1927 Walter decided to go to Chicago, IL to work for the Payne Electric Company. At a Chicago church social function, Walter met Mabel Jordan, a charming Irish girl from Belfast, Ireland, who was working in the office at the railroad terminal in Chicago. He asked Mabel to marry him and transfer to San Francisco so that Walter could take a position with the Addressograph Company. While there, Walter and a co-worker invented and perfected a special lens to be used in submarine periscopes.

In 1962, the Smiths retired and moved to Oregon City, Oregon. Mabel died there in 1976. She had been a wonderful homemaker and a faithful, loving and supportive companion for 35 years. Walter adored her. They were devout and active Christians, working together in their Presbyterian Church community. In 1979, he moved to Austin, TX to be with friends and family. After a 7-month bout with cancer, Walter died on September 4, 1980.

Walter Smith was always very self-disciplined, hard-working and conscientious. His dress and manners were impeccable, his ideals and hopes were of the highest, and his love of God and man was always manifested in his daily life. He was a gentle, kindly, considerate, charitable and caring man – respected and loved by all who came in contact with him. He never forgot, nor ceased to appreciate, the opportunities afforded him at John Brown (College) University; and in making his will, he chose to leave the bulk of his estate to JBU, so that needy and deserving students are able to obtain a Christian education.

Walter and Mabel Smith Memorial Endowed Scholarship

Warner Family Education Scholarship

Warner Family Endowed Scholarship

Weathers Family Endowed Scholarship

Wendell and Paula Stratton Endowed Scholarship

William Carson Endowed Scholarship

William Douglas Layton Endowed Scholarship

William F. and Alice D. Blackburn Endowed Scholarship

William H. Bell Endowed Scholarship

William Van Thiel Music Education Endowed Scholarship

Windgate Foundation Art and Design Excellence Endowed Scholarship

Women in Engineering Endowed Scholarship

World Impact Endowed Scholarship for Intercultural Studies

JBU does not unlawfully discriminate based on race, color, national or ethnic origin, sex, age, disability, marital status, military status, or age in the administration of its educational policies, admissions, financial aid, employment, educational programs, or activities.

John Brown University is a leading private Christian university, training students to honor God and serve others since 1919. Arkansas’ top-ranked regional university (U.S. News Best Colleges 2019), JBU enrolls more than 2,100 students from 38 states and 53 countries in its traditional undergraduate, graduate, online and concurrent education programs. JBU offers 41 majors, with top programs including engineering, nursing, family and human services, biology, graphic design and construction management.

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