Arkansas State University - Newport

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September 2019

Jackson County student first recipient of new Twyford Family Business Scholarship

Arkansas State University-Newport is pleased to share the first recipient of the Twyford Family Business Scholarship is Landon “Garrett” Smith. This is a new scholarship at ASU-Newport founded by ASUN Assistant Professor of Business John Twyford.

John Twyford and Garrett Smith
John Twyford and Garrett Smith

Garrett is a Jackson County native and graduate of Tuckerman High School. He is pursuing an associate degree in business from ASU-Newport. Garrett has big plans following his time at ASUN. He plans to transfer to Arkansas State University to obtain a bachelor’s degree in agriculture business and a master’s degree in plant science.
 
If that isn’t enough, Garrett also wants to earn his real estate license. His ultimate goal is to become a sales agronomist. “Being a sales agronomist has been a life goal since I was 10 years old,” Garrett said. “I love seeing healthy fields and happy people. Having a business degree and this scholarship will put me one step closer to my life goal.”
 
Twyford wanted to fund this scholarship for students just like Garrett. Twyford, from Newport, has strong family ties to the community. “Newport is truly where my roots are,” Twyford said. “My dad was from Bradford, and my mom was from Newport. My mother, brother, and sister all graduated from Newport High School, and my dad was president of the Newport School Board. My grandparents, the Holbrooks, lived in Newport their entire lives, and their old skating rink and restaurant still sit on the Rock 'N Roll Highway.”
 
Beyond his roots, Twyford has an extensive background in business. Before teaching at ASUN, Twyford worked in banking in Little Rock and became an entrepreneur.

“My parents and grandparents on both sides were business and community leaders, and they taught me to always give back,” Twyford said. “During that part of my career, I was in a place where volunteer opportunities were enormous. I served on countless committees, boards, commissions, and community development projects as a way to give back. When I decided to spend the latter part of my career teaching, I looked at the tremendous contribution ASUN makes to the community right here in my hometown, and I wanted to be a part of it. I decided to provide a bit of assistance to students who are starting out in the same place that I did.”
 
ASU-Newport appreciates the giving nature of faculty and staff to further support our students through their educational journeys.
 
For more information on scholarship opportunities visit asun.edu. If you are interested in supporting students through charitable donations, please contact Teriann Turner, Advancement Officer, at teriann_turner@asun.edu.