Jonesboro, AR – Contributed – Arkansas State University announced the creation of the Charles Kruse Scholarship.

The scholarship was established to support students in the College of Agriculture (CoA) who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership, and the core values of the Delta Theta chapter of Pi Kappa Alpha. 

Annual awards will be given to support students in agriculture-related fields, with final amounts based on available endowment earnings. The scholarship is designed to offer lasting support to Delta Theta members who demonstrate exceptional leadership and character. 

The scholarship is open to full-time students at A-State who are active members of the Delta Theta chapter of Pi Kappa Alpha and pursuing a degree within the CoA. Preference will be given to members with financial need and to those who exemplify the fraternity’s emphasis on scholarship, leadership, integrity, and character. 

“Agriculture has shaped my life, and Pi Kappa Alpha has shaped the leader I became,” Kruse said. “Supporting students who share those passions is an honor, and I hope this scholarship helps them pursue meaningful careers that strengthen our communities.” 

The scholarship is part of the Pi Kappa Alpha, Delta Theta Chapter Scholarship Fund, endowed at the Arkansas State University System Foundation and the Pi Kappa Alpha Educational Foundation. The scholarship board awards more than $60,000 per year to A-State students from a combined endowment of more than $1.8 million, all donated by alumni of the Delta Theta chapter. 

| ADD US ON GOOGLE NEWS: Click here to see more local news from Jonesboro Right Now

“Charles Kruse has always embodied integrity, leadership, and an unwavering commitment to agriculture,” said Tim O. Brown, co-chairman of the Pi Kappa Alpha Alumni Scholarship Board and an A-State Distinguished Alumnus. “His generosity ensures that brothers who are preparing to enter this vital industry have the support they need to succeed. This scholarship continues a tradition of Pikes investing in future leaders at Arkansas State.” 

Dr. Mickey Latour, dean of the College of Agriculture, said the scholarship reflects Kruse’s longstanding commitment to student success and experiential learning. 

“Charles has consistently embraced hands-on opportunities for students, and this gift will complement our ongoing efforts within the CoA,” Latour said. “Support like this helps us prepare future leaders who are ready to make an immediate impact in the agriculture industry.” 

Awardee selection will be made by the Pi Kappa Alpha Alumni Scholarship Board. 

For additional information about this and other giving opportunities at Arkansas State University, contact the Office of Development at 870-972-3940 or development@AState.edu.

| DAILY BRIEF: Sign up for the Jonesboro Right Now Daily Brief Newsletter