About the Scholarship
The annual Paul Vitale Memorial Leadership Scholarship covers registration, travel, and lodging to the Arkansas Veterinary Medical Association (ArVMA) Winter Meeting.
Paul was a long-time friend and promoter of the ArVMA. You can learn more about Paul and his impact on others in the paragraphs below.
Eligibility
The scholarship recipient for 2025 will be selected by the ArVMA Board and presented the award during the Awards Luncheon on Saturday during the Winter Meeting.
- Nominee should be an individual that is currently enrolled in an Arkansas Veterinary School.
- The nominee must also be actively engaged in veterinary medicine, be a leader in their class, and maintain at least a 3.0 GPA.
- The nominee should exemplify the traits of enthusiasm for veterinary medicine, commitment to being a positive role model and influence in one’s circle and beyond, and possess an attitude that is hopeful and encouraging to others.
- Any individual (including oneself) can nominate a student for this scholarship.
Would you Like to Donate to the Scholarship?
If you would like to contribute to the Paul Vitale Memorial Leadership Scholarship Fund, please click the “Donate to the Scholarship” button below or, if you prefer to pay by check, make your check payable to Arkansas Veterinary Medical Association and mail it to the following address:
ArVMA
Post Office Box 17687
Little Rock, AR 72222
Scholarship Application
About Paul
Arkansas Native Paul Vitale attended Russellville High School and went on to play baseball at the University of Central Arkansas. Paul graduated with a degree in Mass Communications and Journalism in 1996. A professional speaker and author, Paul penned his first of four books and three curriculums shortly after graduation.
Early in life, Paul recognized his calling as a speaker. He was inspired by the impact made on him while listening to a professional speaker during an eighth-grade school assembly. It was a life-changing encounter for Paul. In that moment, Paul realized that if he could be a positive influence on others through speaking with individuals and groups, both large and small, his life’s mission would be to do just that.
Paul was one of the nation’s most sought-after inspirational speakers and consultants with clients throughout North America and abroad. His message was one of leadership, optimism, and encouragement. Paul’s early career included time in the Arkansas tourism industry where he was one of Arkansas’ most ardent ambassadors. His love for the Natural State and the people who call it home remained an underlying theme throughout Paul’s life. A long-time friend and advocate for the Arkansas Veterinary Medical Association, Paul brought enthusiasm and insight to the Association in his role as both consultant and avid promoter of ArVMA and its work for over a decade.
Paul’s entrepreneurial spirit and his ability to inspire others made a profound impact on countless numbers of people. To know or meet Paul was a gift. He was a constant example of humility and generosity. Whether one met Paul on a delayed flight to New Orleans or heard him speaking to an audience of 10,000, he treated everyone he met with respect, honesty, sincerity, and authenticity. He exuded an innocent wonder at the goodness of people; each person Paul encountered felt as though they were the only person that mattered.As president of Matt Birk and Company, Paul had the distinct pleasure of working with Fortune 500 companies, NFL teams, and nonprofit organizations. Though his clients came from all walks of life, Paul’s passion was education and working with students—emphasizing the importance of character while helping them to develop a skill set that would unlock their potential. Paul wanted to give kids a chance to have a chance. He believed that education was not just a 12-year formation but a life-long journey.
Paul was always upbeat and optimistic, even throughout his courageous, 15-month battle with cancer. He passed away peacefully surrounded by family on May 19, 2023. Relentlessly positive, Paul was kind and passionate about doing good and encouraging others to be the good in the world. As he frequently shared with his audiences, “It is not where you have been and what you have traveled through, it is where you are going and how many lives you will touch along the way.” The Paul Vitale Memorial Leadership Scholarship fits perfectly with Paul’s vision and desire to assist others in reaching their true potential, encouraging its recipients to live Paul’s examples of ENTHUSIASM for one’s chosen profession, COMMITMENT to being a positive influence for good, and to possess a proper ATTITUDE during times of challenge as well as success.