Strong Fathers, Strong Futures: Honoring Arkansas Single Dads Pursuing Higher Education For Father’s Day 2026
At Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund (ASPSF), we are proud to honor single dads this Father’s Day and to recognize all of the fathers who are pursuing higher education as a pathway toward long-term stability and opportunity for their families.
While conversations surrounding single parenthood often focus on mothers, many fathers are also navigating the challenges of raising children while working toward a college degree or certification.
In Arkansas, there are ~33,982 single fathers with children. For every 1 single dad with kids, there are about 3 single moms with kids, according to the U.S. Census (2024 American Community Survey 1-year estimates).
This month, we are proud to highlight the fathers in the ASPSF community.
Every day single fathers across Arkansas are working to create brighter futures for their children through education. Many are balancing classes alongside careers, parenting responsibilities, and the day-to-day realities of raising a family, all while remaining deeply present in their children’s lives.
Whether it is celebrating small milestones, creating family traditions, or simply showing up each day with consistency and love, these fathers are building futures rooted in determination, sacrifice, and hope.
Get to know a few of the fathers behind the stories below as they share their experiences, hopes, and reflections on fatherhood, education, and building brighter futures for their families.
Michael Banks
County: Mississippi
Major: Physical Education
School: Arkansas State University
Your career goal? Physical Education/Health Education
What’s your favorite part about being a dad?
My favorite part of being a dad is giving advice to my kids about life.
How has fatherhood changed you?
It made me more of a man to be a leader & protector.
What’s a tradition or routine with your children that brings you joy?
We go on family vacations & camping trips.
What’s your biggest hope for your child(ren)’s future?
To continue to put God first because with the Lord not is possible.
What advice would you give to other single dads?
Spend time with your kids & live moment by moment. Don’t allow things outside your home to consume your time. As a single parent, I had to learn to listen so listen to your child & that is very important.
Angel Rios
County: Lincoln
Major: Electronics Technologies
School: University of Arkansas at Monticello-Crossett
Your career goal? To work for a paper mill close to home.
What’s your favorite part about being a dad?
Seeing my kids smile and laugh when they’re with me.
How has fatherhood changed you?
I have definitely become more career-focused for the betterment of my kids.
What’s a tradition or routine with your children that brings you joy?
Going to the park so that they can pretend to sell me ice cream while I use woodchips to pay for it.
What’s your biggest hope for your child(ren)’s future?
I hope that they are able to pursue whatever dreams they may have without having to worry about finances.
What advice would you give to other single dads?
Better yourself so that your kids can benefit from it.
Michael Reddick
County: Desha
Major: Accounting
School: University of Arkansas at Monticello
Your career goal? Finance role of Equity Research or Portfolio Management
What’s your favorite part about being a dad?
Seeing my son smile and watching him learn how to do things like sitting up by himself, rolling over, grabbing items, and things of that sort.
How has fatherhood changed you?
Fatherhood has changed me by helping me understand how much patience is needed and changed my outlook of how a strong support system can make things a lot easier.
What’s a tradition or routine with your children that brings you joy?
Going on a daily walk with my son brings joy to me.
What’s your biggest hope for your child(ren)’s future?
Whatever he does in life keep God first, stay consistent, and enjoy the small and simple things of life.
What advice would you give to other single dads?
To have patience and be ready for changes. Make sure you have a way to keep your head clear in a positive way and just always think to yourself, you now have someone that’s looking up to you whether you want them too or not.
Zachary Brown
County: Baxter
Major: Education
School: Arkansas State University–Mountain Home
Your career goal? Special Education
What’s your favorite part about being a dad?
The joy on my son’s face when he sees me picking him up from school. He is so silly when we are playing, and it always reminds me of myself. Those moments are simple, but they mean everything to me.
How has fatherhood changed you?
It really has made me look at life di˞fferently. I’m more focused on what actually matters, in ways that feel more meaningful. I’m constantly rethinking my priorities and working toward lasting satisfaction instead of quick, temporary fixes.
What’s a tradition or routine with your children that brings you joy?
We always love grabbing a couple of burgers from Mountain Home Burger Co. and driving down to the lake to eat our lunch. After we finish, we get out and play on the equipment for a while. It’s one of our favorite little routines.
What’s your biggest hope for your child(ren)’s future?
That when I’m not around anymore, I will have done enough to give them the strength to keep going the way my dad did for me, and that they know I will always be there for them even when I can’t be anymore. because they have learned the skills and have the resources to thrive and experience all life has to offer.
What advice would you give to other single dads?
Show up, fail forward, be persistent, be vulnerable, and be fearless all in one hat but above all else don’t forget to laugh and enjoy the moments that’s all we get.
Jackson Day
County: Garland
Major: Health Physical Education and Recreation
School: Henderson State University
Your career goal? Coach/Teacher
What’s your favorite part about being a dad?
I love doing things with my daughter. We swim, camp, play games, and just hang out. She is so much fun. I love hugs and conversations and teaching her new things.
How has fatherhood changed you?
I have become a more patient person. I have learned to put her first, in front of my needs. I think I am a better person because of her.
What’s a tradition or routine with your children that brings you joy?
Gathering with my family on holidays is a favorite tradition. Taking her to visit with family members is joyful. I enjoy the simple, daily parts of my life with her. In the summer, we have regular get-togethers at a special place on the water that we have found. We cook out, swim, and just relax together.
What’s your biggest hope for your child(ren)’s future?
I want her to find something to do with her life that she loves. I just simply want her to find happiness.
What advice would you give to other single dads?
It is not easy, but this is the hardest job you will ever have–and the most rewarding. Just hang in there and have fun with your son/daughter when they are young.
The fathers featured in this blog represent the determination and resilience of student parents across Arkansas. Their stories remind us that education does not just transform individual lives, but that it transforms families for generations.
You can help support student parents across Arkansas by making a donation to ASPSF. Every contribution, no matter the size, helps create opportunities for hardworking parents pursuing brighter futures.
