Arkansas State University Establishes Ella K. Gall Memorial Scholarship

The scholarship will support physical therapist assistant students and honor Ella Gall's life and legacy.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 6:09pm

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An abstract, out-of-focus scene in soft, warm tones representing the compassionate spirit and educational dreams of a physical therapy student.The Ella K. Gall Memorial Scholarship will honor the life and legacy of a dedicated physical therapy student by supporting future caregivers who share her compassion and commitment to exceptional patient care.Jonesboro Today

Arkansas State University has established the Ella K. Gall Memorial Scholarship to support students enrolled in the physical therapist assistant (PTA) program. The scholarship was created through gifts from the estate and family of Ella's parents, Dr. Lindzy Thomas Gall and Rachel Gall, and her brother Thomas Gall. Ella Gall was a student in the PTA program at A-State who passed away in 2025, just one month before her expected graduation.

Why it matters

The scholarship reflects the profound impact Ella had on those around her and ensures her compassion and commitment to the physical therapy profession will continue through future students. By investing in future caregivers, the scholarship aims to honor Ella's legacy and help others achieve their educational dreams.

The details

The Ella K. Gall Memorial Scholarship will be awarded annually to one student during the final spring semester of the PTA program. Applicants will submit an essay reflecting on up to three of the American Physical Therapy Association's core values and how those values shape their character and future practice. The recipients will be selected by the Department of Physical Therapy faculty and staff.

  • Ella Gall passed away on April 2, 2025, just one month before her expected graduation.
  • The Ella K. Gall Memorial Scholarship will be awarded annually starting in the spring of 2026.

The players

Ella K. Gall

A student in the physical therapist assistant (PTA) program at Arkansas State University who passed away in 2025, just one month before her expected graduation.

Dr. Lindzy Thomas Gall

Ella's father, who owned a veterinary practice in Blytheville.

Rachel Gall

Ella's mother, who was a devoted wife and mother.

Thomas Gall

Ella's brother, who is included among family members involved in honoring her memory through the establishment of the scholarship.

Dr. Stacy Walz

The interim dean for the College of Nursing and Health Professions at Arkansas State University.

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What they’re saying

“This scholarship is a meaningful tribute to Ella's life and the compassion she brought into every space she entered. By supporting future physical therapist assistants, this gift ensures that Ella's legacy will live on through students who share her heart for service, empathy for others, and commitment to providing exceptional patient care.”

— Dr. Stacy Walz, Interim Dean, College of Nursing and Health Professions

“Ella was always someone who would drop anything to help anyone and I believe this scholarship will be an extension of that.”

— Hendrix Walker, Classmate and friend of Ella

What’s next

The Ella K. Gall Memorial Scholarship will be awarded annually starting in the spring of 2026.

The takeaway

The Ella K. Gall Memorial Scholarship is a meaningful way to honor Ella's life and legacy by supporting future physical therapist assistant students who share her compassion, empathy, and commitment to exceptional patient care.