Arkansas Tech University has created the Dr. Susan Self Memorial Scholarship to support nursing students, honoring the late associate professor who passed away January 12, 2026, after battling cancer. Self, 51, was deeply respected for her commitment to students and nursing education in Russellville.
Self’s colleagues and former students led the effort to establish the scholarship through the Arkansas Tech University Foundation. Shaana Escobar, a nursing professor at ATU and a close friend of Self, described her as a “true student advocate and cheerleader.” Escobar recalled Self’s open-door approach, where students frequently sought her guidance or just a comforting word—or chocolate—after tough days.
“She had a way of making students feel seen, valued and capable,” Escobar said. “She celebrated their successes and encouraged them through their struggles.” That personal touch shaped the university’s nursing program and left a lasting impression on countless students preparing for careers in health care.
Establishing a scholarship in honor of a respected faculty member like Self is a move you might expect from big universities with deep pockets, but it speaks volumes about the close-knit nature of Arkansas Tech and Russellville’s commitment to supporting the next generation of nurses. The new scholarship ensures that Self’s legacy will continue in a practical and meaningful way, easing financial burdens for students dedicated to nursing.
The demand for nurses remains strong both statewide and nationally, and programs like Arkansas Tech’s are vital training grounds for local health care professionals. Scholarships directly tied to faculty impact also boost student morale and retention by connecting them to the university community in more personal ways.
In a region like Northwest Arkansas and surrounding areas, where health care infrastructure continues to expand, having a steady pipeline of well-prepared nursing professionals is crucial. Supporting students through scholarships is a direct investment in the quality of care available locally. Self’s legacy will now intertwine with those emerging careers.
Arkansas Tech University encourages those who knew Self or support nursing education to contribute to the Dr. Susan Self Memorial Scholarship. It’s a reminder that in communities like Russellville, the dedication and influence of one professor can reverberate far beyond the classroom.
Source: NWA Democrat Gazette
