FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

TRUMAN AND ANITA ARNOLD RECEIVE HONORARY DOCTORATE DEGREES AT SPRING COMMENCEMENT

TEXARKANA, TX. May 18, 2007 – Truman and Anita Arnold, two of Texarkana’s

most active philanthropic citizens, delivered the keynote address at the Spring 2007

Commencement exercises held on May 12 at First Baptist Church Moores Lane. In

addition, the Arnolds were recipients of honoray Doctor of Leadership degrees from the

university. This historic event marks only the third time the university has bestowed this

special recognition. The two previous recipients of honorary degrees are Texarkana

native Ross Perot and Malcolm Forbes. Mr. Forbes received an honorary degree when the

university was under the East Texas State University flagship.

            The Arnolds fully support the university’s mission of providing residents in

Northeast Texas with the broadest possible access to quality education opportunities.

“We believe in investing in the future of students by building up the facilities and

programs that will help them achieve the skills they need to become the business leaders

and outstanding citizens in our community,” said Anita Arnold.

The Arnolds have been instrumental in moving the university forward. They have

endowed the Chair of Information Sciences for the proposed College of Engineering &

Computer and Information Sciences. The Arnolds also provided 75 acres of land as a gift

from the Truman and Anita Arnold Foundation as a part of the 375 acre tract of land near

Bringle Lake where the new campus is being constructed. The Arnolds generous support

is greatly appreciated.