Henderson State University Announces Frank and Karen Paris Advanced ROTC Scholarship Endowment

Frank and Karen Paris

Henderson State University has announced the establishment of the Frank and Karen Paris Advanced ROTC Scholarship Endowment, a gift that will support Henderson ROTC cadets as they pursue their education and prepare for leadership in military service.

The scholarship endowment was established through a $50,000 gift from Frank and Karen Paris, which will provide annual scholarship funding for deserving Henderson State ROTC cadets.

Frank Paris, originally from Tillar, Arkansas, and Karen Paris, from the Pine Bluff area, met while attending college in Arkadelphia. Karen pursued a degree in home economics, while Frank later transferred to Henderson State, where he became involved in the ROTC program.

After earning his business degree from Henderson, Frank was commissioned through the ROTC program and served more than 20 years in the United States military, including service during the Vietnam era. Following his military career, he worked for more than two decades in Walmart's transportation division, including time at the company's Bentonville home office.

Now residents of Northwest Arkansas, Frank and Karen remain connected to Henderson State and its ROTC program. Their gift reflects a commitment to helping future generations of Reddies pursue their education and prepare for lives of leadership and service.

The Frank and Karen Paris Advanced ROTC Scholarship will support junior and senior ROTC cadets who demonstrate academic achievement while preparing for military service.

"Scholarship endowments play an important role at Henderson State by providing long-term support for students and helping ensure financial barriers do not stand in the way of opportunity," said Josh Kee, vice chancellor for Advancement and HSU Foundation executive director

For more information on scholarship endowments at Henderson State University, please contact Kee at [email protected] or 870-230-5350.