Fellowship Strengthens Partnership of Fulbright College, Clinton School

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — The University of Arkansas Clinton School of Public Service in Little Rock, Ark., today announced the establishment of the Lee Williams Fellowship in Public Service. Named in honor of Lee Williams, a close associate of both President William Jefferson Clinton and the late U.S. Senator J. William Fulbright, the fellowship will be awarded annually to a University of Arkansas graduate pursuing a master’s degree at the Clinton School.

“This is a unique student fellowship because of its association with Fulbright College,” said Skip Rutherford, dean of the Clinton School. “Because of Lee’s long-term service to the state of Arkansas and his extraordinary contributions to the careers of President Clinton and Senator Fulbright, it is appropriate that a scholarship fund be named in Lee’s honor. This will also be a great way to recruit outstanding Arkansans to the Clinton School.”

The Clinton School and the J. William Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville will jointly administer the fellowship. Proceeds from the endowment will be applied to the recipient’s cost of attending the Clinton School. Preference will go to an Arkansan who graduated from the Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences.

“The people who have contributed to the fellowship know that Lee is one of the most dedicated public servants to ever serve our state and our nation. I hope that even more of Lee’s friends will help build the endowment,” said long-time friend David Lambert. “It is a wonderful project that pays tribute to Lee’s interest in the Clinton School, in Fulbright College and to helping young Arkansans pursue a meaningful career in public service.”

Williams worked in the office of Sen. J. William Fulbright from 1955 to 1974, first as legislative assistant from 1955 to 1959 and then as chief of staff from 1959 to 1974. Subsequently, he was general counsel to the Senate Democratic Policy Committee from 1974 to 1978. From 1978 to 1989, Williams served as the senior vice president and legislative counsel to the National Retail Federation. Before joining a public affairs group, Public Strategies, Inc. in Washington, D.C., in 1992, he practiced law in Fayetteville. Williams, who now lives in Arlington, Va., received his law degree from the University of Arkansas.

Contributions to support the Lee Williams Fellowship may be sent to the Fulbright College Development Office, 525 Old Main, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville 72701.