The Joe M. Steele & Hardy W. Croxton Memorial Scholarship is funded by Beaver Water District (BWD) Board Members and provides support to students in the University of Arkansas College of Engineering and Bumpers College. Beaver Water District Board Members donate board meeting attendance fees to the scholarship fund that is managed by the University of Arkansas Foundation. After a recommendation by the Foundation and approval by the BWD Board of Directors, the decision was made to change the scholarships amounts to be able to help more students. Scholarships are awarded to students who have demonstrated interest in drinking water treatment, wastewater treatment, environmental or life sciences.
The 2025 scholarship recipients were honored at the District’s September Board meeting. Six students were awarded the scholarships. (as pictured from left to right in front of BWD Board of Director members Chris Weiser, Leigh Ann Johnston, Bill Watkins, and Mary Gardner)
• Nicole McKellar of Rogers is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering.
• Madelyn Jones of Bentonville is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in biological engineering.
• Christian Hopkins of Bentonville is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering.
• Kaleb Smith of Fayetteville is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in biological engineering.
• Owen Hicks of Fayetteville is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in biological engineering.
• Brynnen Beck of Bentonville is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in environmental, soil, and water science.
Want to donate to the scholarship fund?
Donations may be made payable to the University of Arkansas Foundation, Inc. — with Joe M. Steele & Hardy W. Croxton Memorial Scholarship in the memo line — and mailed to University of Arkansas, ATTN: Gift Services, 1125 West Maple Street, Suite 210, 1 University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR 72701.