FORT SMITH COMPANY ESTABLISHES SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM IN HONOR OF BELOVED ELEMENTARY SCHOOL PRINCIPAL AND ROLE MODEL

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. - Yvonne Keaton-Martin made a difference in the lives of many students during her 46 years as an elementary school principal in Fort Smith. To honor her work as a role model to minority students, Beverly Enterprises Inc., the largest nursing home operator in the country, established a scholarship program in her name at the University of Arkansas.

The Yvonne Keaton-Martin Scholarship Program is designed to encourage students from the Fort Smith area whose ethnic, cultural and/or national background contribute to the diversity of the student body to pursue a college education at the University of Arkansas. Beverly Enterprises will fund 50 percent of the cost, including funds for tuition, fees, room and board and books for three new eligible students from the Fort Smith area over the next four years. Beverly Enterprises will provide an estimated $50,000 to 60,000 a year as the program is phased in, resulting in a total gift of between $200,000 to $240,000. A total of eight students are being funded this semester.

Keaton-Martin is a Fort Smith native and recently retired principal of Howard Elementary School after a 46-year career in education. Howard Elementary school is the second oldest school in Fort Smith, established in 1898 under an earlier provision for the education of the area’s African-American children. Howard Elementary School’s status as a model school in Fort Smith is credited to her dedicated work and innovative approach to education.

UA Chancellor John A. White said, "We would like to thank Beverly Enterprises for their generous commitment to support students at the University of Arkansas, while making a difference in their home community. Beverly Enterprises is to be commended for identifying an educational need within the community and providing the support necessary to address that need. By providing private support to increase the size, quality, and diversity of the student body, this gift contributes directly to three of the five overaching goals for the University. Following their graduation from the University of Arkansas, we hope these students will pursue careers in Arkansas and, thus, continue the cycle of making a difference in their hometowns."

The idea for creating a scholarship program came from Beverly’s Chairman, David Banks, who wanted to find a way for the company to give back to the Fort Smith area. It was during a reception held to introduce members of the minority community to other community leaders that the idea to use the scholarship program to honor Keaton-Martin was conceived.

"We are committed to the success of our community and this scholarship will help a few go a long way, said Banks. "We think this scholarship will make a big difference in the lives of those who may not otherwise have had a chance like this."

"Looking into the minority community and the challenges they face in preparing for college was the impetus for establishing this opportunity," continued Banks. "As principal, Ms. Keaton-Martin was always there for the kids. She was a role model. Beverly wanted to put forth an effort to honor this woman through a scholarship program."

Beverly Enterprises and its operating subsidiaries comprise a leading provider of services to the elderly in the United States. They currently operate 526 skilled nursing facilities, as well as 34 assisted-living centers, 56 home care and hospice agencies and 161 outpatient therapy clinics. Through AEGIS Therapies, they also offer rehabilitative services on a contract basis to nursing homes operated by other care providers.