Deran Ford
Recipient of the Ledbetter Non-Traditional Endowed Scholarship
Major: Criminal Justice
Class Year: Senior
Hometown: Little Rock, AR

I would like to thank you for investing in my education by supporting me with your Ledbetter Non-Traditional Endowed Scholarship for the 2008-2009 school year. It is donors like you who reaffirm my dream of becoming an attorney.

I was born in a small town, Marvell, Arkansas, where I attended school prior to moving to Little Rock in the second grade. I later progressed through the Little Rock School District and ultimately became a graduate of John L. McClellan High School. I graduated from McClellan in 1998 and shortly afterwards enrolled in college at UALR.

I am the seventh child of eight; however, I am the first male to attend college within my immediate family. One of my elder brothers was killed two weeks prior to what would have been his first semester at UALR.

Since enrolling, I have found myself enjoying the pleasure of UALR, as well as taking advantage of the great classes that are offered. I am a Criminal Justice major with a double minor in Legal Studies and Rhetoric and Writing. Unfortunately, I have had some interruptions in my academic progress due to me having to work while trying to retain my status as a full-time student.

My overall experience at UALR has been great! This is my senior year at UALR, and I anticipate attending law school at the William H. Bowen School of Law where I plan to take advantage of their joint degree program by pursuing a JD and MBA or JD and MD.

Again, I am truly grateful for the support you have shown by blessing me as the Ledbetter Non-Traditional Endowed Scholarship recipient for the 2008-2009 academic year.

Thanks for your support and I will forever remain grateful.

Sincerely,

Deran Ford