Arkansas State University-Beebe has announced that a generous gift from the Rice family has permanently endowed the Chuck Wisdom Jr. Agricultural Heritage Scholarship, ensuring that Wisdom’s commitment to agriculture, education and student success will continue benefiting future generations.
The scholarship was initially established in March 2025. The Rice family’s contribution brought the fund to the level required to establish it in perpetuity.
The endowment will provide annual scholarship assistance to ASU-Beebe students pursuing degrees in agriculture. The scholarship also serves as a permanent tribute to Wisdom, whose influence extended beyond the classroom to farms, businesses, schools and communities across Arkansas.
Members of the Wisdom and Rice families joined ASU-Beebe administrators, agriculture faculty members, students, alumni and community supporters for a check presentation celebrating the scholarship and Wisdom’s legacy.
Those attending included Gus Wisdom, Callie Creed, Garland Rice, Colt Rice, Butch Rice, Karen Wisdom, Gerre Wisdom, Chuck Wisdom Sr. and Christi DeLine.
Agriculture instructors Caroline Lester and Bailey Crane attended along with students Kasey Fraley, Augustus Harris and Skylar Acebedo. Additional agriculture students and community supporters also participated.
Speakers shared stories about Wisdom’s dedication to his students, passion for agriculture, servant’s heart and influence throughout Arkansas.
Andrea Cole, associate vice chancellor for institutional advancement at ASU-Beebe, said few people leave the kind of legacy Wisdom created.
Cole said Wisdom taught more than agriculture. He also taught integrity, hard work, humility and service while believing in students before many believed in themselves.
She said the Rice family’s contribution ensures Wisdom’s passion for agriculture and education will continue changing lives for generations. Cole also thanked the Rice family and the other donors who helped make the permanent tribute possible.
Wisdom’s mother, Gerre Wisdom, reflected on the opportunity she had to share her passion for teaching with her son while they worked together at ASU-Beebe.
She said she could not have been prouder of the man her son became. Gerre Wisdom said ASU-Beebe and the surrounding community held a special place in his heart and that knowing his legacy will continue through the scholarship means more than words can express.
Butch Rice said the contribution represents both support for agricultural education and a tribute to a treasured friendship.
Rice described Wisdom as one of the finest men he had ever known and said he was blessed to call him a friend. He said Wisdom invested his life in others, never sought recognition and consistently placed his students first.
Rice said it was an honor for his family to help ensure Wisdom’s legacy continues through future agriculture students at ASU-Beebe.
ASU-Beebe Chancellor Dr. Jennifer Methvin said Wisdom was more than a faculty member. She described him as a mentor, friend and inspiration to those who had the privilege of knowing him.
Methvin said Wisdom’s legacy of service inside and outside the classroom will continue through every student whose life is changed by the scholarship. She thanked the Rice family and every donor who helped create the enduring tribute.
Wisdom joined ASU-Beebe in 1995 and served as an assistant professor of agriculture for nearly three decades.
He was known for his hands-on teaching methods and genuine concern for students. Wisdom helped transform the ASU-Beebe farm into an outdoor classroom where learning extended beyond textbooks.
Although the scholarship is now permanently endowed, the ASU-Beebe Foundation will continue accepting contributions. Additional donations will grow the endowment, increase its annual impact and allow more agriculture students to benefit.
Online contributions may be made through the verified ASU-Beebe Foundation giving page. Donors should designate their contribution for the Chuck Wisdom Jr. Agricultural Heritage Scholarship.
Contributions may also be mailed to:
ASU-Beebe Foundation
Attn: Institutional Advancement
P.O. Box 1000
Beebe, AR 72012
For information about scholarships and programs at ASU-Beebe, call 501-882-3600 or visit ASU-Beebe.
Founded in 1927, ASU-Beebe is an operationally separate, two-year institution within the Arkansas State University System. The college operates campuses in Beebe, Heber Springs, Searcy and at Little Rock Air Force Base, along with online programs. It offers associate degrees, certificates and professional training for business and industry.
KEY FACTS:
The scholarship was established in March 2025.
A Rice family gift brought the fund to permanent endowment level.
The scholarship supports students pursuing agriculture degrees at ASU-Beebe.
Chuck Wisdom Jr. joined ASU-Beebe in 1995.
Wisdom served as an assistant professor of agriculture for nearly three decades.
He was known for hands-on teaching and dedication to students.
Additional contributions will continue to be accepted.
Donations can increase the scholarship’s annual impact.
Online gifts should be designated for the Chuck Wisdom Jr. Agricultural Heritage Scholarship.
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