Arkansas State University–Beebe will celebrate Dr. Ruth Couch Day on Tuesday, September 23rd, honoring the life and legacy of a woman whose contributions shaped the university and the Beebe community for more than three decades.
The day begins with a 10 a.m. ribbon cutting for the university’s new Outstanding Alumni Wall, followed by a reception at the Ruth L. Couch Center on Palm Street. The event is free and open to the public.
Dr. Couch began her career at ASU-Beebe in 1971 as an assistant professor of English, later becoming the first faculty member to hold a doctorate. She went on to serve as division chair and, in 1994, was appointed vice chancellor for Academic Affairs. After her retirement in 2003, she continued to serve the community as director of the Beebe Chamber of Commerce and through her work on several boards and advisory councils.
Her legacy includes the Ruth Couch Endowment Scholarship, which has provided full tuition scholarships to students since 2005, and the Ruth L. Couch Center, named in her honor that same year. She also contributed to campus life by funding the ASU-Beebe Science Building chimes, which still play each hour across campus.
In addition to her leadership, Dr. Couch was a writer with several published works, including Women and Thomas Hardy, This Land of Legend: Arkansas Poems, and the novel No Bells Will Ring.
University leaders say Dr. Couch’s impact can still be felt today through her dedication to students, faculty, and the Beebe community.
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