African and African American Studies Announces 2013-14 Scholarship Recipients

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FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – The African and African American studies program in the J. William Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences has chosen 21 scholarship recipients for the 2013-14 academic year. The awardees were chosen for their outstanding academic performance, program involvement and campus/community leadership.

Margaret Gender, recipient of the AAST Study Abroad Scholarship, is originally from Kirkwood, Mo. Pursuing a combined major in French and African and African American studies and a member of the Honors College, she has an extraordinary performance record throughout her tenure at the University of Arkansas. Her passion for African and African American studies is evident in and out of the classroom. While she excels at her studies, she is also involved non-academic activities, recently serving as a cast member in the program’s annual spring play, Waiting to be Invited. Gender plans to use her scholarship toward a program in Cameroon during the fall of 2013.  While in country, she will study social pluralism, development and culture.

“Being in this program has really made me stay at the University of Arkansas,” said Gender. “I have found a home and support in my collegiate studies.” 

Tomario King, named the Dillard’s and CDI Contractors, LLC Endowed Scholar, is earning a minor in African and African American studies while majoring in industrial engineering.  Last year, he received the AAST Study Abroad Scholarship, which supported his participation in the bi-annual Ghana study abroad program.  A native of El Dorado, Ark., King has earned numerous honors including the Silas Hunt Scholarship and membership in the Engineering Career Awareness Program.  He balances his academic work with activities in the National Society of Black Engineers. Now a junior, King has been involved with the African and African American studies program for three years.

“The AAST program has taught me to build strong relationships with my professors not only inside the classroom, but also outside of the classroom,” said King. “This program has challenged me to think critically and analytically.  Aside from the strong academics, I know that the people in the program will do whatever they can to help me. That is what makes me proud to say I am a part of an organization like the African and African American studies program.”

Kevin McClenney, the L.E. Gene and Jean Read Hudson Access Arkansas Scholarship recipient, is majoring in history and African and African American studies.  A native of Winston-Salem, N.C., he has a strong record of success within his major courses.  McClenney is also a veteran of the United States Air Force. 

“AAST has been an essential part of my UA experience,” said McClenney. “The professors are personable and have gone out of their way to help me in every way, and the classes are all top-notch in terms of curriculum, teaching style and academic rigor.”

Brandon Dismute, recipient of the Bayard Rustin Endowed Scholarship, is pursuing a combined major in political science and African and African American studies.  Originally from Sherwood, Ark., Dismute has been involved with several campus activities including NWA Democratic Black Caucus, NWA Hispanic Democratic Caucus and Dream BIG.  He feels that the program has deeply impacted his time in college and growth as a person.

“Participating in the African and African American studies program has given me the strength and the courage to explore different academic avenues at the University of Arkansas while providing me a place of safety to spread my wings,” said Dismute. “I would like to thank this program for investing in me and for guiding me towards my academic interests.”

The program also awarded nine AAST Returning Student Scholarships and eight AAST New Student Scholarships.

Scholarship recipients include:

2013-2014 AAST Returning Student Scholarship

• Corsalyn Allen
• Raven Cook
• Trase Cunningham
• Rachel Dukes
• Iesha Green
• Melanie Monts
• Malachi Nichols
• Imani Smith
• Cameron Woods

2013-2014 AAST New Student Scholarship

• Kassidy Boyle
• Mark Dillard
• Whitney Frierson
• Meghan Lewis
• Abigail MacDonald
• Porshe Scrape
• Janet Shields
• Christopher Warren

Scholarships are awarded annually to eligible students who have declared a combined major or a minor in African and African American studies. These competitive scholarships help defer the cost of books, tuition and study abroad to Africa. For more information on the African and African American studies program and scholarship opportunities, visit the program’s website at http://aast.uark.edu.