News Article

Ron Carroll Athletic Training Scholarship Awarded to First Two Students

JONESBORO – Two Master of Athletic Training (MAT) students at Arkansas State University have been awarded the Ron Carroll Athletic Training Scholarship.

The first recipients of this scholarship are first-year MAT student KeyAnna DeBose of Kansas City, Kan., who is part of the sixth cohort, and second-year student Emily Clark of Houston, who is part of the fifth cohort.

This scholarship is a one-time annual award to be split evenly between one first-year and one second-year MAT student.

Qualifications are that recipients be full-time MAT students, have completed an undergraduate degree, and be admitted into the A-State athletic training program. Also taken into account is the applicant’s knowledge of the subject and a letter explaining a need, goals and involvement with athletic training.

“Athletic training is a growing profession nationally. The scholarship will help students financially to obtain this degree and enter this profession and help athletes prevent and return from injury,” said Ron Carroll, longtime head certified athletic trainer.

Carroll has been part of the university since 1976 when he became A-State’s first certified athletic trainer. He said development of the scholarship began when the sports medicine and athletic training club sold programs at First National Bank Arena when it opened in 1987.

“I felt an endowment through the Arkansas State University System Foundation would be a great place for it to grow. I have contributed through the Torchbearers account when it began. The current Master of Athletic Training faculty recommended naming it the Ron Carroll scholarship,” he added.

After graduating from A-State in 1975 with a bachelor’s degree in education with an emphasis in physical education Carroll completed his Master of Science in Education from Indiana State University in 1976.

Carroll worked as head athletic trainer for the football program for 45 seasons before being named assistant athletics director of sports medicine in 2021. He was inducted into the National Athletic Trainers’ Association Hall of Fame in 2003, and has received a governor-appointed position on the Arkansas State Board of Athletic Training for nearly three decades.

“I am very honored to have my name on an educational scholarship for a career in sports medicine and athletic training that I have enjoyed for 48 years,” he added.

A committee of three, consisting of Carroll along with athletic training faculty members, will select recipients. Those selected may reapply for renewal if they continue to meet the criteria.

Those interested in contributing to the Ron Carroll Athletic Training Scholarship may do so through the Arkansas State University System Foundation. Gifts can be made online through the university website.

Additional information about this and other endowment opportunities at A-State is available through the Office of Development, 870-972-3940 or Development@AState.edu.