Zoe Colvin and Erika Faircloth, both of Wynne, have been named as the recipients of the EACC Foundation's Jessie E. Smith Swindle Nursing Scholarships for the fall semester 2021.

The Jessie Smith Swindle Nursing Scholarship is dedicated to assisting full time EACC nursing students from Cross County, Arkansas.  The award is $500 per academic semester, based on availability of funds to cover expenses of tuition, fees, books and supplies.

Zoe Colvin is currently enrolled in the Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) program at EACC.  After graduation, she plans to continue her education to obtain a Bachelor of Science in Nursing at the University of Central Arkansas and eventually become a nurse in the NICU or labor and delivery department of a hospital in the central Arkansas area. 

"Honored is an understatement as I am very excited to receive this scholarship," said Colvin.  "I am thankful to have received this scholarship at a time when I needed it the most," she added.   

Erika Faircloth is also enrolled in the Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) program at EACC and plans to continue through EACC's LPN to RN program.  After graduation, she then plans to transfer to Arkansas State University to obtain a Bachelor of Science in Nursing.  Her future career plans include eventually becoming a nurse anesthetist or work as a wound care nurse.

"Nursing is hard and it is the little things that keep you going," said Faircloth.  "Receiving this scholarship means to much to me as a struggling college student trying to achieve my dream.  I am so grateful for the scholarship and will make sure every penny counts," she added. 

The family of Jessie Smith Swindle established this scholarship to honor her memory and show support for nursing education which was such an important part of her life.  At age 50, Jessie began her training to become an LPN.  Once completed, she had a nursing career that spanned 22 years in Cross County, Arkansas.  The Jessie Smith Swindle Scholarship is made possible through the generosity of her son, Ronald K. Swindle and his wife, Minette Clarke-Swindle.

The EACC Foundation's mission is to generate support and advocacy for East Arkansas Community College in the communities it serves.

Scholarship recipient Zoe Colvin with Pierre Evans, EACC Foundation Board member	Scholarship recipient Erika Faircloth with Pierre Evans, EACC Foundation Board member