Clark State College will dedicate a room in the Brinkman Educational Center (BEC) in honor of the late Clark County Sheriff’s deputy, Matthew Yates.
Yates was a dedicated husband, father, brother, and friend who tragically lost his life in service to his community. Matthew and his wife, Tracy, both graduated from Clark State's Peace Officer Academy.
The Clark State (College) Foundation also established a scholarship honoring Yates to support Clark State cadets pursuing a career in local law enforcement.
“The college community stands with the Yates’ family and recognizes that Matt was a proud Clark State graduate,” said Dr. Jo Alice Blondin, president of Clark State. “We were unbelievably proud of him, as well. By naming a room in his memory and establishing a scholarship, we honor his legacy as an outstanding officer of the law.”
Tracy Yates, director of workforce and business solutions at Clark State, said following her husband’s passing, many people reached out wanting to contribute something to honor and celebrate the life of Matthew, thus Clark State created a scholarship in his name.
“The main goal is to support the [police academy] program at Clark State because we need more officers,” Yates told hubspringfield.com. “And this let’s someone go through the academy who might not otherwise be able to afford it.”
The Yates room dedication will be held at 4 p.m., Tuesday, June 20, in the 4th floor conference room of the Clark State Brinkman Education Center, 100 South Limestone Street, Springfield.
RSVP is required by June 16 by sending an email to: bostickc@clarkstate.edu
Donations to the Matthew Yates Memorial Scholarship can also be made online at: https://slate.clarkstate.edu/register/matthewyatesscholarship
Those interested in enrolling in the Clark State Basic Peace Officer Training Academy should call 937.328.6050 for more information or complete an online inquiry form at https://www.clarkstate.edu/academics/basic-police-officer-inquiry-form/