Scholarship Established to Honor Jonesboro Businessman Cary Matthews

JONESBORO – Friends, family and colleagues of Cary C. Matthews, a Jonesboro native, are honoring his memory by creating an endowed scholarship in his name at Arkansas State University.

The Cary C. Matthews Endowed Scholarship will be awarded annually to an agricultural business or business administration student.

Julie Matthews, Cary Matthews' widow, said, "My sons, daughters-in-law, grandchildren and I are humbled by the generosity of so many people who helped make the Cary C. Matthews Scholarship a reality."

A graduate of A-State, Matthews was an enthusiastic supporter of the university and was very active in the community.

 

In addition to his work as chief appraiser at Farm Credit Midsouth, Matthews was also actively involved in community service. He was a member of the Jonesboro Exchange Club, the Investment Club, a 1924 Member of the A-State Alumni Association, and the A-State Red Wolves Foundation.

Matthews said, "Cary had a passion for family, agriculture and agricultural appraisal, and loved sharing his passion with the heart of a true servant."

He had a successful professional career, including becoming the first person in the state to hold both the Accredited Rural Appraiser and Accredited Senior Appraiser designations with the American Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers. He was also a member of the Arkansas Appraiser Licensing and Certification Board and a member of the Jonesboro Regional Chamber of Commerce.

Matthews added, "Cary would be honored to have this endowed scholarship named for him, and on his behalf and on behalf of our family, we thank those who have contributed and those who will continue to contribute toward preserving Cary's memory and passion for generations to come."

She said her husband loved spending time with family at Norfork Lake and on their farm, where he enjoyed hunting, boating and fishing.

To be eligible for the scholarship, students must be full-time sophomores, juniors or seniors. Preference will be given to on-campus students, but the scholarship may be awarded to online students.

Students who demonstrate an interest in agriculture, real estate, appraisal and farm management will be given preference over other students. Students must have a minimum GPA of 3.0.

Contributions to this scholarship are still being accepted. Additional information about this and other giving opportunities at A-State is available through the Office of Development, 870-972-3940 or Development@AState.edu.