Endowed Scholarship to Support Students Prioritizing Small Animal Wellness
JONESBORO – A $50,000 gift from longtime animal welfare advocate Donna Easley will help support Arkansas residents pursuing veterinary education at Arkansas State University.
The Donna K. Easley Small Animal Practice Support Endowed Scholarship is designed to assist Arkansas students pursuing a veterinary medicine degree with a passion for small animal care and a demonstrated commitment to animal welfare.
Easley’s gift reflects her desire to support future veterinarians who will advocate for animals and promote accessible care in their communities.
“Veterinary medicine is hard and can be a thankless career filled with tough moments,” Easley said. “I’m a firm believer that giving back is good for the soul, and I hope scholarship recipients will carry that same passion forward and give back when they are able.”
A resident of Arkansas and active in animal rescue for more than 25 years, Easley has worked closely with veterinarians throughout the state to provide care for rescued animals and promote adoption efforts. Her experiences inspired her to help future veterinary students who share similar values.
“In rescue, we see the best and the worst situations,” Easley said. “The great vets I’ve worked with have helped me stay focused on the good that can be done for the animals and for the families who adopt them.”
The endowed scholarship will be awarded to a full-time professional student who has been accepted into the College of Veterinary Medicine (CVM) and is an Arkansas resident. Preference will be given to students who have documented volunteer hours with animal shelters, rescues or small animal wellness organizations.
“We are deeply grateful to Ms. Easley for her generous support of our future veterinary students,” said Dr. Heidi Banse, dean of the CVM.
“Her dedication to animal welfare and education will have a lasting impact on the next generation of veterinary professionals.”
Easley hopes the scholarship will inspire students who are not only academically driven but also compassionate, community-minded, and committed to advocating for animals.
“To the students who receive this scholarship, thank you for choosing this profession,” Easley
said. “You’ve taken the first step, and now it’s about growing your compassion and empathy for the voiceless who rely on us for care.”
She also encourages others who are passionate about animal welfare to consider supporting veterinary education at A-State.
“If animals are your passion, then investing in veterinary education is one of the best ways to make a difference,” she said.
The CVM is set to open in fall 2026 and will welcome 120 students to its inaugural class. The 56,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art facility broke ground on March 12.
Additional information about this and other endowment opportunities at A-State is available through the Office of Development at 870-972-3940 or development@AState.edu.
Donna Easley
