Staff Voices: LaCresha Newton
Behind every successful scholarship award is a dedicated program team working tirelessly to ensure single parents across Arkansas have the support they need to stay in school and reach graduation.
As Chief Program Officer at Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund (ASPSF), LaCresha Newton plays a vital role in bringing ASPSF’s mission to life. Since joining the organization in 2021, LaCresha has led the implementation of ASPSF’s statewide scholarship program, guiding a passionate team of program managers who work directly with students, volunteers, and community partners to make educational success possible.
Get to know LaCresha better in the Q&A below, where she talks about her role, her values, and the moments that keep her inspired:
Name: LaCresha Newton
Position: Chief Program Officer
City: Little Rock in Pulaski County
Hometown: West Helena in Phillips County
First day at ASPSF: Jan. 18, 2021
Academic Degree(s) + School(s): Bachelor of Science in Radio/Television, Arkansas State University; Master of Public Administration, University of Arkansas at Little Rock
What do you do in your role?
I’m all things scholarship! I have the pleasure of leading a tenacious team of 10 program managers to implement our scholarship program across the state of Arkansas. From recruiting and retaining students/volunteers, to managing community partnerships, to simply sharing information with the general public — together, we make scholarships happen.
What do you love about the ASPSF mission?
I love the way we implement the mission. We provide scholarships in a way that best helps those we serve. Our recipients know exactly what they need to keep them on track to graduation.
LaCresha Newton (Right) with ASPSF scholarship recipient Juscenta Parker (Left)
Briefly share your favorite ASPSF student story!
During an application interview, I shared campus resources with a student to help her better understand campus offerings and access opportunities to gain financial support. She was awarded that term, and in the next semester’s application interview, she was so excited to share that she’d not only taken advantage of the resources but also established regular visits with student support services and received another scholarship. I celebrated very loudly with her in that moment!
Fun fact about yourself?
I’m a big fan of snail mail. Call me old-fashioned, but I really enjoy receiving packages, letters, and cards in the mail.
What three words best describe you?
“Everyday I’m hustling.”
What’s your proudest accomplishment?
My proudest accomplishments center around my mentees achieving success academically and professionally. When they win, we win. I love impacting the lives of teenagers and young adults.
Best advice you’ve ever received?
Stay focused.
Hobbies?
Cooking, leading my Girl Scout troop, and lounging with the family.
Last Good Read?
The results of my last StrengthFinder assessment. It tracks.
At the heart of LaCresha’s work is a deep belief in people — especially students who are determined to build better futures for themselves and their families.
Whether she’s celebrating a student’s success, mentoring young leaders, or ensuring ASPSF’s programs meet real, practical needs, LaCresha leads with focus, heart, and intention.
Her commitment to empowering others reflects the very best of ASPSF’s mission and reminds us that when students win, entire communities move forward together.
