Scholarship endowed for A-State student who died before graduation

A scholarship has been established at Arkansas State University to honor a student who tragically lost her life one month before she was set to graduate.

The Ella K. Gall Memorial Scholarship has been established at A-State to support students enrolled in the physical therapist assistant (PTA) program and honor the life and legacy of Ella Kathryn Gall.

The scholarship was created through gifts from the estate and family of Dr. Lindzy Thomas Gall and Rachel Gall, Ella’s parents. Ella’s brother, Thomas Gall, is included among family members involved in honoring her memory through the establishment of the scholarship.

Ella Gall attended A-State as a student in the PTA program. She passed away, along with her parents, on April 2, 2025 in a car crash in Mississippi County.

Ella’s family established the scholarship as a way to honor her life and help others complete their educational dreams.

“This scholarship is a meaningful tribute to Ella’s life and the compassion she brought into every space she entered,” said Dr. Stacy Walz, interim dean for the College of Nursing and Health Professions. “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.”

The Gall family’s connection to A-State spans multiple generations. Ella’s father attended A-State, and several members of her extended family are alumni, including one who also completed the PTA program.

As part of honoring Ella’s story, the family also wanted to recognize her parents, Dr. Linzy Thomas Gall and Rachel Gall. Dr. Gall owned a veterinary practice in Blytheville.

“Ella was always someone who would drop anything to help anyone and I believe this scholarship will be an extension of that,” said Hendrix Walker, a classmate and friend of Ella.

The 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.

By investing in future caregivers, the Ella K. Gall Memorial Scholarship ensures that Ella’s influence continues through students who strive to make a positive and lasting difference in the lives of the patients and communities they serve.