Arkansas Association of Professional Soil Classifiers

James L. Gray – E. Moye Rutledge Memorial Scholarship

Open to students studying Soil Science or closely related field at any university in Arkansas

The Arkansas Association of Professional Soil Classifiers (AAPSC) offers the James L. Gray – E. Moye Rutledge Memorial Scholarship annually to encourage students interested in the natural properties and distribution of soils (soil classification/soil science) to develop technical skills and expertise leading to a professional career related to classifying and managing soil resources.

This scholarship is named for and honors two great men who paved an important and noble path for us to follow.

James L. Gray was a soil scientist with the USDA Soil Conservation Service for many years, headquartered in Forrest City for much of his career. He was a pioneer soil scientist in the early days of developing soil surveys in Arkansas and was instrumental in the training of several generations of soil scientists. Mr. Gray was also one of the early statesmen and initiators for the Arkansas State Board of Registration for Professional Soil Classifiers.

Dr. E. Moye Rutledge was the pedologist in the Department of Crop, Soil, and Environmental Sciences at the University of Arkansas and the University of Arkansas representative to the National Cooperative Soil Survey for over 40 years. Dr. Rutledge was instrumental in establishing the Professional Registry of Professional Soil Classifiers, serving as its first chair. He also chaired the Arkansas Association of Professional Soil Classifiers and was the first Chair of the Individual Sewage Disposal Systems Advisory Committee of the Arkansas Department of Health. Dr. Rutledge and his multi-disciplinary research team developed a method for sizing septic systems that used soil morphology rather than percolation tests to determine the size of the leach field.

Eligibility

Purpose and Background

Amount

Two $1,500 scholarships will be awarded for the 2027 spring semester.

• be at least in their second year of study at an accredited college or university in Arkansas

• be enrolled in an undergraduate curriculum in Soil Science or closely related field

• have a minumum cumulative grade point average of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale

• have not previously received the scholarship

• undergraduate students who complete requirements for graduation at the end of the fall semester are eligible for this scholarship if they plan to enroll in a graduate program during the following spring semester

How to apply

Complete the application form including required attachments. Submit the completed application package by December 11, 2026 to:

Gray - Rutledge Scholarship

Attn: Jeff Olson

112 Cifuentes Way

Hot Springs Village, AR 71909

Evaluation

• Interest, activities, and leadership specifically related to Soil Science 50%

• Academic achievement 40%

• Appearance and completeness of the application 5%

Award notification

The 2026 James L. Gray - E. Moye Rutledge Memorial Scholarship recipient will be notified by January 30, 2027.