University of Arkansas Announces Recipients of First Silas Hunt Distinguished Scholarships

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. - The University of Arkansas recently announced that 66 entering freshmen will constitute the inaugural class of Silas Hunt Distinguished Scholars.

Scholarship amounts vary between $5,000 and $8,000 annually. Recipients are eligible for renewal over a period of four years. Hunt scholarships are funded by a combination of state and private monies.

"These scholarships are named for a true pioneer of the University of Arkansas and serve as a positive stride toward enhancing diversity within the student body," said Chancellor John A. White. We have a wonderful collection of students representing our inaugural group of Hunt Scholars. It is a pleasure to see how these young men and women prepare themselves to meet the challenges and opportunities offered here at the university."

Established in October of 2003, this competitive scholarship is named in honor of the first African-American admitted to the University of Arkansas in modern times.

Hunt Scholarship applicants were considered according to individual achievement and promise during the selection process. Factors considered included contribution to campus diversity, school leadership, community and campus involvement, academic achievement (such as mastery of multiple languages, recognition as National Achievement Scholar, National Merit Scholar, National Hispanic Scholar, science fair awards or Advanced Placement performance), application essays and motivation to succeed.

Aspects of diversity considered in the Hunt Scholarship process include, but are not limited to, membership in an underrepresented ethnic or minority group, a demonstrated interest in a field of study that does not traditionally attract members of an individual student's ethnicity or gender, residence in underrepresented counties in the State of Arkansas or status as a first-generation college student.

Thirty-four men and 32 women were chosen as 2004 Hunt Scholars. The average ACT score for the 66 students is 26.94, and the average high school grade point average is 3.85. Eighteen students come from an Arkansas county sending few students to the U of A. Seventeen students are among the first generation of their families to go to college. Nineteen of the group are African-American; 11 are Asian-American; 11 are Caucasian; 11 are Hispanic; 14 are Native American.

"The selection committee was impressed by students indicating a desire to engage and to succeed," said Suzanne McCray, associate dean of the Honors College. "We have no doubt that these students will excel during their academic careers at the U of A."

Attached is a complete list of 2004 Silas Hunt Distinguished Scholarship recipients and their hometowns.

2004 Silas Hunt Distinguished Scholarship Recipients:

Name Hometown

Jennifer Adams, Miami, Okla.

Humberto Albarran, Springdale

Stephanie Y. Ang, Fayetteville

Amber L. Ash, Paris

William Bab,b Green Forest

Alaya Bell, Fort Smith

Allison M. Billy, Wister, Okla.

Laida N. Blair, Pine Bluff

Jennifer L. Brewer, Beebe

Nathan Brock Miami, Okla.

Shanna L. Callan, Jacksonville

Alex R. Cardiel, Springdale

Keith T. Caudle, West Fork

Jean Y. Choi, Fayetteville

Phillip Cleves, Maumelle

Laura M. Cousins, Pleasant Plains

Greg Creamer, Batesville

Sarah E. Davis, Sand Springs, Okla.

Sarah Doss, Monticello

Jessica Fay, Joplin, Mo.

Tina L. Fletcher, Plumerville

Juan A. Garcia, Fort Smith

Tanner R. Garrett, Greenbrier

Chanta L. Givens, Little Rock

Marcus Glaspie, Arlington, Texas

Jacqueline M.A. Grajeda, Lowell

Justin T. Hall, Gore, Okla.

Dalila R. Handy, Marion

Grayson T. Hinojosa, Mt. Vernon, Mo.

Brian S. Hunter, Paris

Timothy P. Hurley, Hot Springs

Anne Huynh, Van Buren

Soisouda C. Inthavong, Fort Smith

Kendra Johnson, Kansas City, Mo.

Amanda C. Jones, North Little Rock

Camillah P. Kelly, Little Rock

Aaron J. LaBounty, Warner, Okla.

Wenfeng Li, Fayetteville

Frank B. Manatt, Brinkley

Fredisha L. Manning, Marion

Ashley E. Mungle, Hot Springs

Caisha A. Murry, Pine Bluff

Jennifer Nguyen, Van Buren

Jessica E. Nichols, Jenks, Okla.

Heather N. Oldner, Little Rock

Ruben A. Paulino, Springdale

Teneisha L. Ricks, Little Rock

Nicholas A. Ross, Van Buren

Imelda Saldivar, De Queen

Andrew J. Santine, McAlester, Okla.

Lauren C. Sanz, Dallas, Texas

John A. Sharp, Stilwell, Okla.

Nichole E. Sims, West Memphis

Alexus L. Smith, Blytheville

Nicholas D. A. Smith, Owasso, Okla.

Leah N. Spurling, Houston, Texas

Kara F. Taylor, Jonesboro

Whitney H. Tharp, Little Rock

Thad Townsend, Conway

Jason R. Turner, Little Rock

Amber Usdrowski, Pearcy

Paula S. Verser, Conway

Trent A. Walton, Jr., Fayetteville

Jordan K. Williamson, Conway

Shambrekia N. Wise, Texarkana, Texas

Ben M. Zehtaban, Redfield

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Suzanne McCray, associate dean, UA Honors College, (479) 575-7678, smccray@uark.edu

Charles Crowson, manager of media relations, University Relations, (479) 575-3583, ccrowso@uark.edu