The Arkadelphia Promise has announced a generous bequest of $250,000 from the late Ms. Janice Lynn Stanford, marking the first such legacy gift to the scholarship foundation since it was established in 2010.
A 1969 graduate of Arkadelphia High School, Ms. Stanford remained deeply connected to her hometown and its schools throughout her life. Her father, Stanley Stanford, was a long-time educator at AHS, further strengthening the family’s ties to the local community and public education.
Born on July 4, 1951, in Arkadelphia to Stanley and Louise (Hardage) Stanford, Janice grew up in Arkadelphia before attending the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville. She graduated in 1973 with a degree in journalism and was a proud member of the Delta Gamma Sorority. Janice remained a lifelong fan of the Arkadelphia Badgers and the Arkansas Razorbacks.
Professionally, Janice devoted 43 years of service to Gastroenterology Associates of Arkansas. After retiring, she continued to give back — volunteering as a reading tutor in several Little Rock elementary schools and actively participating in adult education and fitness programs. Known for her energy and compassion, she was described by friends as someone who “never met a stranger” and who was “a true friend to many.”
Janice was a devoted Christian, raised in the First Baptist Church of Arkadelphia, and was a member of Saint Andrew’s Anglican Church in Little Rock at the time of her passing.
Ms. Stanford died at her home in Little Rock on Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025, at the age of 73. She is survived by several cousins and a wide circle of cherished friends.
“The generosity of Ms. Stanford is both humbling and inspiring,” said Jason Jones, Director of the Arkadelphia Promise. “Her legacy will live on through the many students whose lives will be changed by her gift.”
Arkadelphia Promise launches Teacher of the Month Award to honor Janice Stanford and her family
In recognition of Janice Stanford’s remarkable generosity and her family’s deep roots in education, the Arkadelphia Promise is proud to announce the creation of the Arkadelphia Promise Teacher of the Month Award.
Beginning this month, the award will be presented monthly to an Arkadelphia educator who demonstrates excellence in the classroom, a passion for student success, and an unwavering dedication to the teaching profession. Each recipient will receive a cash award in appreciation of their service and impact. In addition, the Stanford gift will be used to fund numerous scholarships in the coming years.
The award honors not only Janice Stanford’s $250,000 legacy gift to the Arkadelphia Promise but also the memory of her father, Stanley Stanford, a longtime teacher at AHS. Their combined contributions to the community — through education, generosity and service — will continue to inspire future generations.
“The Stanford family’s story is a powerful reminder of how one family’s love for education can uplift an entire community,” said Jones. “This new award will help us honor the teachers who make that kind of impact every single day.”
The Arkadelphia Promise Scholarship Foundation, funded by the Ross Foundation and Southern Bancorp, was established to increase the college-going rate for local students, reduce the number of students dropping out of college for financial reasons and provide a more educated workforce. Over the last 15 years the Arkadelphia Promise has invested millions of dollars in AHS graduates as they pursue education beyond high school.
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