Arkansas State University-Beebe graduate Emma Joplin has been named as a 2026 Charles L. Welch Presidential Scholar and will receive a $1,000 stipend to attend an Arkansas State University System four-year institution.
Joplin, from Mountain Home, served as a leader in the Agriculture Club, the Residence Hall Association and Student Life. Whether volunteering to care for the ASU-Beebe farm animals on the weekends, staying late after a campus event to help clean-up, or speak up in a meeting with administrators about issues that matter to students, Joplin was noted as a shining example of Dr. Charles Welch – a servant leader and scholar in and outside of the classroom.
“From the start, Emma has pursued each leadership opportunity extended to her at ASU-Beebe,” said Dr. Jennifer Methvin, chancellor at ASU-Beebe. “She innately supports her fellow students, showing empathy and providing support. Her positivity and diligence serve as an example for us all. I was honored to select her as our 2026 Welch Presidential Scholar.”
Joplin graduated from ASU-Beebe with a technical certificate in agriculture, an Associate of Science in Agriculture and an Associate of Science in Liberal Arts and Sciences. She plans to transfer to Arkansas State University in Jonesboro to pursue a bachelor’s degree in agriculture.
About Charles L. Welch Presidential Scholar
The Presidential Scholars program was created in 2024 to honor the legacy of Dr. Charles L. Welch, President Emeritus of the ASU System, for his nearly 13 years of service. The annual program honors a deserving scholar from each ASU System two-year institution who transfers successfully to an ASU System four-year university.
Pictured: Dr. Jennifer Methvin, right, congratulates Emma Joplin at the ASU-Beebe May 2026 commencement ceremony. Joplin, from Mountain Home, is a Welch Presidential Scholar recipient and plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree at Arkansas State University in Jonesboro.
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