LITTLE ROCK, Ark.. — Two Arkansas students have been selected to receive scholarships from the Arkansas Trucking Association (ATA).
Nash Ashley of Monticello, Ark., and Conley Reeves of Judsonia, Ark., have each been awarded a $7,500 scholarship from the Carl Tapp Memorial Scholarship Fund to support their education and training for careers in medium/heavy duty truck technology.
“The backbone of America’s supply chain depends on skilled technicians who keep our trucks running safely and efficiently,” said Shannon Newton, president, ATA. “As vehicles become more advanced and technology continues to evolve, our industry needs talented individuals who are ready to meet those challenges. We are proud to support these students as they pursue rewarding careers that will help keep Arkansas and America moving.”
Nash Ashley
Ashley graduated from Cornerstone Christian Academy in Tillar, Ark. He demonstrated a commitment to service by helping community members with their lawn care needs. He also gained experience working on equipment at a local poultry farm during high school.
In the fall, Ashley plans to attend University of Arkansas Community College at Morrilton to pursue training in medium/heavy duty truck technology.
Conley Reeves
Reeves graduated from Searcy High School in Searcy, Ark, where he received All-State and All-Conference honors in football. He was also a member of the district champion Agriculture Mechanics team.
In the fall, Reeves plans to attend Arkansas State University-Beebe in Searcy to pursue training in medium/heavy duty truck technology.
Supporting the Next Generation
“Since the scholarship fund was established in 2017, we have been able to support the next generation of technicians who will keep our industry operating safely and efficiently,” said Dustin Jeffress, 2026 maintenance and technology council chair and member of the scholarship committee. “This year’s recipients demonstrated exceptional commitment, aptitude and enthusiasm for the profession. Their dedication gives us great confidence in the future of trucking and the skilled workforce that supports it.”
Carl Tapp Memorial Scholarship Fund
The Arkansas Trucking Association’s Maintenance & Technology Council established the Carl Tapp Memorial Scholarship Fund to celebrate Carl Tapp, the council’s first chairman, and his career-long commitment to nurturing new talent in the industry. T
he fund is intended to enable and encourage growth in the state’s diesel technician workforce and to help assure that the safest, most knowledgeable and skilled technicians are working on the trucks and trailers on our nation’s roads. Candidates were evaluated based upon their interest and performance in STEM courses, teacher and mentor recommendations and personal interviews with the scholarship committee of industry experts.
Scholarship Sponsors
According to the ATA, these scholarships have been made possible by the vision and investment in the future of trucking in
Arkansas by the following companies and individuals:
- ABF Freight.
- ArcBest.
- Bruce Purkey,
- DAVCO Technology.
- Doggett Freightliner of Arkansas.
- Dr. Doug Voss.
- Hoover Family.
- Inland PacLease.
- JM Bozeman Enterprises Inc.
- Kenneth Calhoun.
- Kudos Research.
- Maverick Transportation LLC.
- McConnell & Son.
- McGriff.
- McKee Foods Transportation.
- MHC Kenworth Leasing.
- Mike and Pam Martin.
- Momentum Fuel Technologies.
- NorCal PacLease.
- PACCAR.
- PACCAR Leasing Company.
- PacLease Dallas.
- Pressure Systems International.
- Rush Truck Centers.
- Southland PacLease.
- TechForce Foundation.
- The Tapp Family.
- TLG Peterbilt.
- Truck-Lite Co. LLC.
- Tyson Foods.
- University of Central Arkansas.
- W&B Service CO.
- Walt Luethy.
- Walmart Transportation.
In May 2024, the ATA Scholarship Fund received 501(c)(3) status and all donations to the Carl Tapp Technician Scholarship are considered charitable and tax deductible.
To join the list of donors who are funding the future, click here.
Dana Guthrie is an award-winning journalist who has been featured in multiple newspapers, books and magazines across the globe. She is currently based in the Atlanta, Georgia, area.
