UA Little Rock Creates Endowed Scholarship in Memory of Longtime Lawyer Boyd ‘Skip’ Tackett
The University of Arkansas at Little Rock has created an endowed scholarship in memory of notable Arkansas attorney Boyd “Skip” Tackett.
Tackett’s daughter, Tiffany Kell, law mediation program coordinator for the UA Little Rock William H. Bowen School of Law, has donated $25,000 to create the Boyd “Skip” Tackett Endowed Scholarship. The scholarship will be used to provide assistance for education related expenses like tuition, books, fees, room, and board for students at the William H. Bowen School of Law.
“My father instilled in all of us the importance of giving back and helping those in need,” Kell said. “As a third-generation lawyer, I know he would have loved the idea of this scholarship. Easing the financial burden for a student so they can focus on making a difference in the world is truly priceless.”
A preference will be shown for applicants who demonstrate a clear financial need and those who demonstrate a strong commitment to pursue a career in criminal defense, reflecting the values and career focus of Tackett.
“The Bowen School of Law is so grateful to Tiffany Tackett Kell for her exceptional generosity in creating a scholarship in honor of her father, Boyd ‘Skip’ Tackett,” said Bowen Dean Colin Crawford. “I did not have the privilege of knowing Mr. Tackett personally, but I have spoken with many who did. To a person, they all attest to the fact that Skip Tackett was the model of a servant leader, serving the people of Arkansas as a criminal defense attorney for over 50 years, all the time demonstrating an unwavering commitment to justice and a tireless work ethic. To be sure, this scholarship will help students who wish to follow in Skip Tackett’s service to those in need of dedicated legal representation.”
Born in Hot Springs in 1940, Tackett was the son of U.S. Congressman Boyd Tackett, who represented Arkansas’s 4th Congressional District from 1949 to 1953. Tackett gave tours of the White House during this time. He attended the University of Arkansas, where he was a member of the Razorback football team. He earned his J.D. from South Texas College of Law in Houston and practiced law in Texarkana and Houston before settling in Conway.
Tackett dedicated more than 50 years to the practice of criminal defense, representing clients with unmatched dedication and commitment. Known for his relentless advocacy and thorough approach, Tackett made significant contributions to the legal community in Arkansas. His work ethic and client-focused philosophy have left an indelible mark on the field of criminal defense. This scholarship embodies his legacy by supporting students who aspire to uphold the same standards of excellence and justice in their legal careers.
“My dad was a very joyful guy,” Kell said. “He was the best storyteller I ever met, and that made him a great litigator. When you try cases, you tell stories and make people realize you are dealing with people. He encouraged all of his children to stand up for people when we felt someone had been wronged.”
Donations can be made to the scholarship fund online at the UA Little Rock giving website. Under Fund, click “Other” and specify that the gift is for the Boyd “Skip” Tackett Endowed Scholarship.
