The Arkansas Broadcasters Association (ABA) has announced that Betsy Broyles Arnold will receive the prestigious Arkansan of the Year Award during the organization’s annual convention this September, recognizing her decades of dedication to supporting Alzheimer’s caregivers and families across Arkansas and the nation.
The award honors Arkansans whose contributions have made a lasting impact on the state and its people. Arnold joins a distinguished list of past recipients that includes J. William Fulbright, Johnny Cash, Bill Clinton, Don Tyson, and many other influential leaders in Arkansas history.
A Personal Journey Becomes a Statewide Mission
Arnold’s work began with her own family’s experience.
When her mother, Barbara Broyles, wife of legendary University of Arkansas Athletic Director and football coach Frank Broyles, was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, Arnold moved her family from Texas back to Arkansas. Alongside her twin sister, Linda, she became one of her mother’s primary caregivers.
After Barbara Broyles passed away, Arnold and her father turned their family’s difficult journey into a mission to help others facing the same challenges.
Together, they founded the Frank and Barbara Broyles Legacy Foundation, dedicated to educating and supporting Alzheimer’s caregivers.
Helping Caregivers Around the World
One of the foundation’s most influential accomplishments has been the creation of Coach Broyles’ Playbook for Alzheimer’s Caregivers, a practical guide designed to help families navigate the emotional and physical demands of caring for loved ones with Alzheimer’s disease.
The guide has become an internationally recognized resource.
More than one million copies have been distributed in 11 languages, helping caregivers not only in Arkansas but around the world.
Since its creation, Arnold has devoted countless hours to educating healthcare professionals, training caregivers and advocating for improved support systems for families living with Alzheimer’s disease.
She and her daughter, Molly, have delivered more than 250 presentations and have appeared on more than 400 radio and television programs, becoming nationally recognized advocates for Alzheimer’s caregivers.
ABA Recognizes Lifelong Service
Arkansas Broadcasters Association President Kristen Speer said Arnold’s commitment has touched thousands of Arkansas families.
“The ABA is very proud to honor Mrs. Broyles Arnold. The work of the Broyles Foundation has had a meaningful impact on so many Arkansans who have had a family member suffering from the disease.”
Speer added that the Broyles family’s willingness to openly share their personal experience has helped countless caregivers.
“The Broyles family’s courage in sharing their journey with the public has been both helpful and inspiring to so many caregivers.”
Alzheimer’s Continues to Impact Arkansas Families
According to the Alzheimer’s Association, more than 60,000 Arkansans are currently living with Alzheimer’s disease.
The organization estimates nearly 175,000 family members throughout the state are providing care and support to loved ones battling the disease.
Arnold’s work continues to provide education, hope and practical resources for many of those caregivers.
Award Presentation Set for September
Betsy Broyles Arnold will officially receive the Arkansan of the Year Award during the Arkansan of the Year Luncheon on Monday, September 14, at the Arkansas Broadcasters Association’s Annual Convention.
The ABA has presented the prestigious honor annually since 1977, recognizing individuals whose accomplishments have brought distinction to Arkansas and improved the lives of its citizens.
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