Razorback Bridge Seniors Heading to Graduate School

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Chris Young and Samantha Jolly

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Chris Young and Samantha Jolly, graduating seniors and members of the Razorback Bridge Scholarship program at the University of Arkansas, have both been accepted into prestigious graduate school programs.  

Young, from Marianna, graduated with a bachelor of science in biology and pre-medical studies. He has been accepted into the Master of Health Services Program at George Washington University in Washington, D.C. 

Jolly, from Adona in Perry County, graduated summa cum laude in biology, with a Spanish minor. She will enter the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences College of Medicine in autumn 2014.

The Razorback Bridge Scholarship program was established in 2010 to provide renewable scholarships to U of A students from underrepresented populations across the state. Beyond financial aid the students have access to academic resources under the Academic Enrichment Program under the Center for Multicultural and Diversity Education. The program supports students through leadership opportunities, mentoring and academic counseling.

Young maintained a 3.3 grade point average while working part time in Student Support Services, being a member of the 2014 Razorback Classics, and serving as president of the student chapter of the Black Alumni Society and LeRew Scholars. He completed a study abroad program in community health promotions in Belize. 

Jolly, a Fulbright College Senior Scholar received the Honors College Research Grant award for her thesis, "Body Composition, Eating Attitudes and Behaviors among Children and their Parents." She is also a finalist for the National Congress of American Indians Native Graduate Health Fellowship. Jolly is also a member of 2014 Razorback Classics and of Phi Beta Kappa, an academic honor society.

“I'm very excited to see our first cohort of Razorback Bridge Scholars graduating,” said Brande Flack-Armstrong, associate director of the Multicultural Center and coordinator of AEP. “It’s been wonderful to see Samantha and Chris’s progression and to see two shining examples of how the AEP program and the center can offer support to our students.”