A-State Veterinary School Given Grant

A $50,000 donation from animal welfare advocate Donna K. Easley will establish the Donna K. Easley Small Animal Practice Support Endowed Scholarship at Arkansas State University. This scholarship will support Arkansas residents pursuing Veterinary medicine degrees, particularly those passionate about small animal care and committed to animal welfare. Preference will be given to students with volunteer experience at animal shelters, rescues, or wellness organizations.

The scholarship will be awarded to students accepted into ASU’s new College of Veterinary Medicine, set to open in fall 2026 with 120 students. The college, housed in a 56,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art facility, broke ground in March 2025. Easley, an Arkansas native with over 25 years of experience in animal rescue, hopes her gift inspires recipients to give back to their communities. Her donation aims to support aspiring veterinarians and promote accessible, compassionate care for animals across the state.