SILAS HUNT PROGRAM OFFERS UP TO 85 SCHOLARSHIPS TO 2004-2005 FRESHMEN

A new scholarship program intended to help further diversify the University of Arkansas student body will make up to 85 scholarships available to entering freshmen. Prospective students who have already applied for admission can obtain supplemental application materials by going to http://scholarships.uark.edu/silashunt.htm, calling 1.800.377.8632 or emailing a request to scholars@uark.edu

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. - The University of Arkansas will offer 60-70 Silas Hunt Distinguished Scholarships to entering freshmen next year, in varying amounts from $5,000-$7,000 annually over a four-year period. In addition, there will be at least 15 awards of $8,000 per year for the most meritorious students.

The scholarships are named in honor of the first African-American admitted to the University of Arkansas in modern times. On February 2, 1948, Silas H. Hunt enrolled in the University of Arkansas School of Law. The building housing the admissions office at the U of A also bears his name.

The concept for the new scholarship program, originally described as consisting of 50 scholarships per year, was first discussed several weeks ago in a meeting between Arkansas legislators and university leaders regarding efforts to strengthen campus diversity. Encouraged by interest shown in the program and with time for further analysis, the university identified resources to make up to 85 awards in varying amounts.

"These scholarships will provide the University of Arkansas with a critical recruiting tool to achieve our institution’s vital interest in creating a diverse campus, that in turn provides an educational benefit to everyone who attends this institution," said Chancellor John A. White. "Arkansas cannot afford to lose outstanding students from underrepresented communities to colleges and universities outside the state."

The Hunt Scholarships will be funded from a combination of university and private monies. There will be no reduction in the number of Chancellor’s Scholarships.

"Chancellor’s Scholarships have become such a hallmark of our vision of being a student-centered, nationally competitive research university that we have decided to create additional opportunities to achieve a critical educational objective of a diverse student body," White said.

Each student who applies will have an opportunity to describe how he or she would contribute to a more richly diverse educational environment. The program will be reviewed in five years to assess its effectiveness in bringing diversity to the University of Arkansas campus, and to determine whether the program should be continued.

Factors considered in determining the competitive awards will include contribution to campus diversity, school leadership, community and campus involvement, academic achievement recognition, (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 expected to be considered will 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. A high school grade point average of 3.5 or above is strongly preferred.

Each application will be evaluated individually, with consideration for the applicant’s potential contribution to academic excellence and to the creation of a more diverse educational environment at the University of Arkansas. These competitive, broad-based merit scholarships will be awarded on a rolling basis.

The Silas Hunt Distinguished Scholarship supplemental application is available online at http://scholarships.uark.edu/scholarships.html The application can also be obtained by request at 1.800.377.8632 or scholars@uark.edu. A completed application for admission to the University of Arkansas must be on file with the university admissions office, or accompany the scholarship application in order for the prospective student to be considered. The deadline for scholarship applications is February 15. Scholarship applicants will be considered after that date as funds are available.