Incoming Freshmen Awarded Fellowships

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — A total of 74 recent high school graduates will be entering the University of Arkansas this fall as Honors College Fellows. The students come from as near to the campus as northwest Arkansas, and as far away as Malaysia. They represent 10 states and bring a range of backgrounds and interests to campus that matches their geographic diversity.

Each Honors College fellow will receive funding totaling $50,000 over four years. That money covers tuition, room and board and allows for the purchase of a computer and books as well. The funds also can be combined with Honors College research and study abroad grants to broaden a student’s educational opportunities.

More than 150 Honors College Fellowship finalists were interviewed in March with approximately 50 university faculty members taking part in those interviews. To qualify as finalist, students had to score at least a 32 on the ACT exam and have a 3.8 grade point average. Each student’s application, letters of recommendation and courses of study were also extremely important in the selection process. The average GPA of the new class of fellows is 4.16; the average ACT score is 33.27.

“Each year I am amazed at the quality of applicants for the Honors College Fellowships,” said University of Arkansas Chancellor John White. “Because these fellowships have attracted national attention and a stunning number of competitive applications, high grades and scores are not enough in themselves to single students out. The fellows in this new class are passionate, engaged, intellectually curious, and ready to take on new challenges. I greatly enjoyed meeting them this spring and look forward to the enormous energy they will bring to our campus this fall.

"I am also excited about what the fellows and our many stellar new freshmen will find when they hit campus in just a few short weeks,” the chancellor added. “We have unrivaled research and study abroad opportunities awaiting them. We have a set of new colloquia available, an initiative funded by the Honors College and spearheaded by its dean, Bob McMath, and supported by all deans across campus. Real service-learning opportunities are an option and, of course, we have internships and co-ops open to all students. Great students, great programs - it promises to be an excellent mix.”

Honors College Dean Bob McMath said these new fellows will find opportunities to match their abilities. "The Honors College staff and faculty are working hard to create a rich learning environment, and since we know that a good part of the students' education will come from what they learn from each other it is great to see how many different interests, perspectives, and passions they bring to the community.  If we do our part, these students will make lasting contributions in our communities," McMath said. 

The members of the University of Arkansas Honors College Fellows, Class of 2011 are: