Ellen Diebold of Wynne and Sandra Giles of Wynne have been named the recipients of the Jessie E. Smith Swindle Nursing Scholarships for the fall semester 2017.

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.

Ellen Diebold is currently enrolled in the Nursing Program at EACC.  After graduation, she plans to work for a hospital on a medical surgical floor so that she can gain valuable experience.  Her plans also include continuing her education in a Bachelor of Science in Nursing program.  “I am so honored and grateful to receive the Jessie E. Smith Swindle Nursing Scholarship,” said Diebold.  “It means so much to me that a portion of my financial burden has been lifted, and I am so thankful to be selected as the recipient,” she added.  

Sandra Giles is a nursing student at EACC.  Giles is a first generation college student and decided later in life to pursue a degree in Nursing.  “I knew I wanted to make a difference in my life and the lives of others, as well as show my daughters that if you put your mind to it, anything is possible,” said Giles.  After graduating with her nursing degree, Giles plans to continue her education to obtain a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing at the University of Arkansas, as well as a Master’s degree in Nursing.  “Thanks to the generosity of others, my success is now within reach,” said Giles.  

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.

Ellen Diebold, scholarship recipient, and Niki Jones, EACC’s Director of Development	Niki Jones, EACC’s Director of Development and Sandra Giles, scholarship recipient