After leading Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund (ASPSF) for more than a decade, Ruthanne Hill has announced her retirement effective June 1.
Ruthanne served as ASPSF’s second executive director, following Ralph Nesson in the role, beginning in October 2012. A nationwide search has begun to identify her successor.
During her tenure, Hill led the organization’s transformation from a network of 62 semi-autonomous county-based affiliates to an integrated statewide organization operating in 10 multicounty regions with consistent eligibility criteria, application processes, and scholarship amounts.
“Consistency was critical,” Hill said. “We worked to create a program that single parent students could depend on regardless of where they lived or if they moved to another county.”
In Hill’s 11 years, ASPSF distributed more than 17,000 scholarships benefiting over 26,000 single parents and their children. Professional development and financial education received an elevated focus to better prepare each graduate to manage their new career and income. Increased staff gave single parents additional personal support in their educational journeys.
“I have the utmost respect for ASPSF founders Ralph Nesson and Marjorie Marugg-Wolfe for their vision, and it’s been my great honor to build upon their legacy,” Hill said. “I look forward to ASPSF’s continued growth as the organization works to eliminate single parent poverty in Arkansas.”
The Board of Directors expressed its gratitude for Hill’s outstanding leadership and dedicated service.
“Ruthanne will leave behind a legacy of compassion, dedication, and impact that will resonate for years to come,” ASPSF Board President Sunshine Bartlett said. “While her departure marks the end of an era, it also signifies a new chapter of growth and regeneration for our organization.”
ASPSF volunteers also shared their thanks for Ruthanne’s unwavering commitment to single parent success.
“Ruthanne has impacted and changed the lives of many, including my own!” Tramond Day said. “The number of people she has affected in such a positive way could not be tallied, and I will forever be thankful of our relationship.”
Bonnie Nickol added: “Ruthanne always exceeded my expectations, and I have learned so much from her.”
ASPSF has contracted The Moran Company, a professional executive search firm, to identify Hill’s successor. A search committee including Hill and ASPSF board members, staff, and donors will make the final selection. A new executive director is expected to start in late spring.
For media inquiries or further information, please contact ASPSF Communications Director Jen Para at [email protected] or 479-318-2885.