Elder Granger Endows Scholarship in Honor of Former Professor Larry Olson
JONESBORO – In the spirit of Arkansas State University’s annual Day of Giving, alumnus Elder Granger is creating a new path of opportunity for a future student whose experience is much like his.
Granger, a retired U.S. Army major general, is giving $25,000 to the university to establish the Dr. Larry A. Olson Honorary Endowed Scholarship, in honor of one of the most inspirational professors he had while a student at A-State.
Olson, who began his A-State teaching career in 1970, was named emeritus associate professor of entomology when he retired in 2001.
Biological sciences students with demonstrated financial need from a 17-county area in Northeast Arkansas region will receive first consideration for the scholarship, initially valued at $1,000 per year for the successful applicant. Recipients may renew the award, as long as minimum academic requirements are met.
“Dr. Larry Olson was always a positive and enthusiastic teacher and mentor, and he provided me and many other students a complete sense of inclusion and belonging,” said Granger, a West Memphis native, explaining his motivation for establishing the scholarship.
“He was always available to guide me and many other pre-med students. I credit a good part of my success at A-State and at the University of Arkansas School Medicine to Dr. Olson’s teaching, support, and encouragement.”
Dr. Jennifer Bouldin, dean of the Beck College of Sciences and Mathematics, also happens to be one of Olson’s former students.
“Dr. Olson stands out as one of the best professors in my memory. I can still recall many of the helpful study guides he shared in his classes, and I continue to teach those same concepts in my classes,” she explained, before expressing her appreciation for Granger’s generosity. “Providing scholarships to students needing assistance in obtaining an undergraduate degree in biological sciences, such as this endowment, is a great asset for A-State students.”
Olson was very touched by Granger’s generosity and his desire to assist others.
“I’m overwhelmed with appreciation to say the least,” the retired professor said. “I’m honored, very humbled, and sincerely pleased to be recognized by such a very successful former student such as Elder Granger. He was always an impressive student and I am very proud of his accomplishments and this honor that he has given me.”
Granger recalled an experience he shared with fellow biological sciences alumnus Jerry V. Williams. In the summers of 1974 and 1975, they attended the Health Careers Summer Program, sponsored by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, at Harvard. Olson made the experience possible by informing them of the opportunity and writing letters of recommendation.
“Dr. Olson taught with enthusiasm, made his courses fun, and emphasized the importance of learning, not just for the test,” the retired Army major general added.
Olson, who earned his master's and doctoral degrees at Iowa State University, has distinct memories of Granger as upbeat and “a great people person.”
“He was also very focused and determined, and his eagerness to learn in pursuit of his degree was always present,” he continued. “I knew from early on that he had the right traits and determination to become a great success.”
After beginning his military career as a combat medic with the Arkansas National Guard, Granger completed a bachelor’s degree in zoology and was a Distinguished Military Graduate of the ROTC program in 1976.
He attained his Doctor of Medicine from the University Arkansas for Medical Sciences in 1980, then was commissioned as an officer in the U.S. Army where he held numerous high-level leadership assignments during his career, including deputy director of TRICARE Management Activity, a Department of Defense (DoD) field activity responsible for operating the Military Health System.
At A-State Granger has been named a Distinguished Alumnus and was selected for the ROTC Hall of Heroes, just two recognitions of his lifetime of professional achievements.
More information about Day of Giving and providing life-changing opportunities for students at Arkansas State is available online.
