FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Amanda C. Jones, a junior in the Sam M. Walton College of Business at the University of Arkansas, has received a $5,000 Lagrant Foundation scholarship. The Los Angeles-based foundation awards only 10 of these scholarships nationally each year to undergraduates.

Chanta L. Givens, also a Walton College junior, has received a scholarship grant worth $18,000 from the William G. McGowan Charitable Fund Inc. of Washington, D.C.

Amanda C. Jones

Chanta L. Givens

“Both of these young women are outstanding students,” said Barbara Lofton, director of the Walton College Office of Diversity Programs. “They are very excited about how these scholarships will greatly enhance their educational opportunities in their last year of college.”

The Lagrant Foundation’s mission is to increase the number of ethnic minorities in the fields of advertising, marketing and public relations by providing scholarships, career development workshops, enrichment programs, professional development, mentors and internships to African Americans, American Indians/Native Americans, Asian Pacific Americans and Hispanics/Latinos. The foundation is based in Los Angeles, Calif.

As part of the scholarship, Jones will travel to New York City this summer for three days where she will receive her award. She will also have access to career mentoring and attend a career development workshop.

Jones is a marketing management major from North Little Rock. She is in the Walton College Honors Program and serves as vice president of Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority. Last spring, she was chosen as a finalist in the Saatchi & Saatchi X Northwest Arkansas Diversity Internship Challenge. She won an internship for the summer working for Tyson Foods Inc. in brand management. She will graduate in 2008, and she hopes to go into sports management.

Givens, an accounting major from Little Rock, will use part of her scholarship to study abroad in Brazil this summer. She is in the Walton College Honors Program and treasurer this year for the National Association of Black Accountants.

William G. McGowan was the founder of MCI Communications Corp. in 1968. He introduced competition into what had previously been a closed monopolistic industry. He recognized in education a unique means for instilling and fulfilling vision. He also believed in finding ways to access the untapped treasures housed in the minds and spirits of the young and putting to good use that crucial human resource.

The McGowan Charitable Fund established the McGowan Scholars to provide selected colleges and universities with scholarships to help students who wish to pursue a business education. The program is based on the experience of McGowan during his college days. Though admitted to Harvard Business School to study for an MBA degree, he did not have sufficient funds to complete his studies. He won Harvard's Baker Scholars award, which provided the funds necessary for him to earn his degree and launch a successful business career.

The McGowan Scholars program recognizes the academic achievements and excellence of students pursuing a major offered by an accredited business school. It is designed to encourage leadership ability, interpersonal skills and a significant involvement in academic, campus and community activities. It also recognizes excellence of character, a spirit of innovation and entrepreneurial potential.